Mothers’ Union Observes
16 Days of Activism Against
Gender-Based Violence

Helen Krynen, Perth Mothers’ Union Social Issues and Action Coordinator

Mothers’ Union members from across the Diocese were welcomed to St Nicolas’ Church in the Parish of Carine-Duncraig on Saturday 7 December for a service of lament and hope as we sought to raise awareness of the growing statistics of Family and Domestic Violence in our community.

Speaking from personal experience The Revd Gemma Baseley, Rector of Beaconsfield, preached a powerful and poignant sermon, encouraging us to take seriously our responsibility to love and support families and individuals experiencing violence in the home. The service was led by our Mothers’ Union Chaplain, The Revd Des Smit, and Bishop Kate Wilmot gave the final blessing.

Following the service the congregation had the opportunity to walk, ‘The Souls of my Shoes’ display. This path of shoes was arranged around the church and told the stories of victims of Family and Domestic Violence – men, women and children. Members also enjoyed a time of fellowship following the service.

Blue Tree Project

Mothers’ Union members also set up a ‘blue tree’ in the church. The blue tree project is dedicated to changing the way we approach mental health and encourages open conversations. The blue tree ties in with the ones seen dotted around the countryside which are meant to remind us to ask ‘R U OK’?.

We started handing out the ‘leaves’ on 24 November, with an explanatory note, and were gratified that so many took the trouble to write prayers both for victims and perpetrators – all about raising awareness of the epidemic proportions of gender-based violence. These prayers were then incorporated into the intercessions on Sunday 8 December.