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The school hall attached to the St Philip Howard Centre was full on Saturday 27 January with delegates and stall holders attending the Justice and Peace Assembly on the topic Safe in our Homes, Safe in our Communities?  Following an introduction from Aisling Griffin from Pax Christi, who chaired the event, and an introduction from Bishop Richard, the day began with a thought-provoking talk from Canon Rob Esdaile entitled "Peace In Our Relationships And Communities – Theological Considerations” posing two questions for the audience to consider: what has our Christian faith got to say about peace in our relationships and communities and are we part of the solution (as the Church normally assumes) or part of the problem?

Emma Beacon, from Restored, a Christian charity which seeks an end domestic abuse by speaking up, equipping the Church and supporting survivors, shared with us the work the charity working alongside survivors to access the support they need as well as training others to recognise those among our congregation who may require support. She shared with us some alarming statistics: UN statistics show that 137 women are killed globally each day.  In the UK, recent surveys have revealed that 97% of 18-24 year old women will be sexually harassed at some point, and 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse. Additionally, only two in seven church members feel their church is capable of supporting those suffering abuse, and many church-goers who do disclose to someone in authority within their Christian faith community find themselves in a worse situation. As well as a variety of training opportunities, the charity has also a variety of resources including a Handbook available both digitally and in print.  

After a break for coffee, during which there was opportunity to visit the stallholders representing a wide range of local and national charities, Kathryn Slater highlighted the work of Lifecentre, based in Chichester, supporting people of all ages, genders and backgrounds who have suffered an unwanted sexual experience. Support is not only provided for victims but also for parents and partners, and for children there is support through play. Training for teachers as well as presentations in schools are also offered and Kathryn’s statistics echoed those of Emma in the earlier presentation. Those using the service describe it as “life changing” and “life saving”.  Kathryn concluded her talk with a very moving video of the experience of a survivor.

Aisling Griffin provided an update of Pax Christi International’s annual Peace Awards and in particular the award winner from last year – Parents’ Circle Families Forum (PCFF), a group set up some years ago supporting Palestinian and Israeli families who have experienced loss and bereavement and who promote a dialogue of tolerance in the hope of promoting peace.  

The meeting ended with short presentations from Ann Meehan about the Modern Slavery Ambassadors and from Philip Wright, Assistant Safeguarding Co-ordinator for the Diocese, followed by a time of prayer and a blessing from Bishop Richard.

A truly inspiring day on a very difficult and emotive subject.

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Many thanks to Miranda Litchfield for writing this report.‍