It is not enemies who taunt me — I could bear that; it is not adversaries who deal Insolently with me — I could hide from them.

But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend, with whom I kept pleasant Company; we walked in the house of God with the throng. (Psalm 55:12-14)

Violence is contrary to God’s intentions for the world. This reality demands the response of the church in these days of increasing danger to vulnerable peoples—children, youth, women, disabled and the elderly. Interpreting biblical teachings and responding to the leadership of Jesus Christ in our lives calls the church to a pastoral and moral response through an active program of advocacy and resourcing for transformation.

My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear andtrembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. And I say, “O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest …” (Psalm 55:4-6)

Do no wrong or violence … (Jeremiah 22:3a)

O LORD, you hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more. (Psalm 10:17-18)

Enabling congregations…
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free … (Luke 4:18)

The hope…
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more for the first things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)