08102
February 11, 2008

Presbyterian Church part of interfaith coalition against domestic violence

Inaugural briefing set for Feb. 13 in Washington

Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE – The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will join a group of religious leaders and community based organizations speaking out against domestic violence this week on Capitol Hill

The national Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition, launched by Jewish Women International (JWI), will hold its inaugural briefing on Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C. Recognizing the role of religious communities in supporting, counseling and advocating for victims of abuse, the coalition of more than 20 organizations will gather under the theme “Policy & Persuasion: How Faith-Based Communities Can Work Together to Advance Domestic Violence Laws.”

The PC(USA) is involved in the coalition via the Presbyterian Health Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA). The Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network is one of 10 networks organized under PHEWA.

“There is a tremendous need for religious and ethnic communities to call in one voice for more effective federal policies and increased funding for domestic violence initiatives,” Lori Weinstein, executive director of JWI, said in a news release.

“This briefing is an outstanding opportunity for our coalition to demonstrate how collaboration with national domestic violence organizations can shape national domestic violence priorities as the 2009 budget takes shape,” she said.

U.S Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a former chief county prosecutor and advocate for domestic violence victims, will be the keynote speaker for the briefing scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. in Senate Hart 902.