Church encourages congregations to reach out to communities and help prevent child abuse
New Zealand used to be known as a great place to bring up kids. Sadly, it's now near the bottom of the class of
developed nations when it comes to our children's wellbeing.
To help counter this alarming trend the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is asking its 419 parishes to do
what they can in their churches and communities to prevent child abuse and to act quickly if abuse is suspected.
Presbyterian Church Moderator the Rt Rev Pamela Tankersley says there is no overall data on child abuse but just looking
at Child Youth and Family notifications alone is disturbing. "In the year to June 2007, CYF received 75,326
notifications, 62 percent of which required further action.
"We have seen in the media horrific recent cases of child abuse and it would be easy to become despondent and think
there's little the individual can do. The Church has responded by creating a 34 page booklet aimed at empowering people
to help children who are experiencing trauma, abuse, violence and neglect.
"It's not a political manifesto or a parenting manual," Pamela explains. "It's designed to raise awareness of what's
happening to our children and provide the tools for an effective response. As the family of God, the Church has a
responsibility to protect and serve the vulnerable, including children.
Pamela says the Church hasn't fudged the hard issues, such as the smacking debate. "We have addressed the question of
discipline in a balanced way."
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to advocating for children. The Church runs successful
programmes for children and their communities at its 65 Kids Friendly churches and at the 41 churches that are working
to becoming Kids Friendly. Last year the Presbyterian Church, through The Presbyterian Foundation, gave $92,000 in
grants to community programmes for children and young people.
The 32 page booklet "Caring for our Children" is available free from the Presbyterian Church or it can be downloaded
from its website http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/4608.0.html
ENDS