By Ben Fast

THE ISSUE of domestic violence took the spotlight some weeks ago in a Victoria area church.

Saanich Community Church (SCC), a small Mennonite Brethren (MB) congregation on West Saanich Road, hosted an evening of music, dessert and fair trade coffee March 28.

The musicians were Colleen Taylor, a Calgary singer-songwriter, and Residential Parking, a local jazz quintet. The concert’s sponsors were Arbour Counselling and Level Ground Trading Co.

The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Victoria Women’s Transition House (VWTH), a non-profit organization providing shelter and support for women and children who have experienced or witnessed abuse.

At fundraisers for this cause, the mood can change dramatically when upbeat music gives way to sombre stories of despair and pain.  Taylor’s music, especially, helped reinforce the importance of discussing these topics, by addressing adoption, abortion, homelessness and neglect. But her songs conveyed such stories with musical beauty and lyrical tactfulness.

While it is not a faith-based organization, VWTH has shared interests with Mennonite Brethren:  both are dedicated to social justice and peacemaking, and building a strong community.

VWTH executive director Carolyn Fast is a member of SCC.  Asked about her church getting involved with a secular organization like VWTH, she replied: “I see the difference that faith makes in people, in our organization and community.”

Faith, she noted, helps many women get through the ordeal of abuse.

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“I appreciate my own congregation coming alongside me,” said Fast. “The commitment of our congregation has always been strong – a real plus for me.”

An issue like the abuse of women and children can be a touchy subject. Nobody wants to be taken out of their comfort-zone and talk about personal issues and sad stories.

But Fast explained that, although the stories may start with sadness and brokenness – and may be hard to understand and accept – most of them result in a renewing of life through a change coming from the support of people willing to bring the issue to the forefront.  

Churchgoers, she noted, are not exempt from abuse or other problems often neglected by society.

“One concern I have is how much of a taboo topic it is to talk about abuse,” Fast said. “We’re not supposed to talk like this. But we need to be open to supporting people in our midst, even in the church.”

A church supporting a secular organization may not be groundbreaking, she noted, and definitely won’t change the world overnight; but it is important for the building of strong communities, and working toward a non-abusive society.

Christians have a lot to offer, Fast emphasized. “The message of hope, change, and transformation is what we have in our churches.”

Saanich Community Church members who attended the concert donated more than $1,600 to VWTH.

May 2010