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Advocacy

Our work in advocacy is rooted in the call to each one of us to put our faith into action. We are mandated by the gospel to uphold and defend the dignity of the human person and to seek the common good for all. We have the right and the duty to utilize the political process and in working for the well-being of others.

The Office for Women in Church & Society is currently engaged in two specific projects which advocate for the needs of women and children.

These include:

Domestic Violence Resource Manual

Breaking the Silence: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence (Third Edition, 2000) is a comprehensive resource manual designed to provide a pastoral response to those affected by domestic violence. In 2003, the Catholic Bishops of the United States revised their 1992 pastoral letter entitled, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women. In this very significant statement, the U.S. Bishops write:

As pastors of the Catholic Church in the United States, we state as clearly and strongly as we can that violence against women, inside or outside the home is never justified.  Violence in any form – physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal – is sinful; often it is a crime as well.  We have called for a moral revolution to replace a culture of violence.  We acknowledge that violence has many forms, many causes, and many victims – men as well as women.

When I Call for Help;

A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women

Tenth Anniversary Issue

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Resource Manual provided by the Office for Women is a three-ring binder providing extensive information about the nature of domestic violence, it also includes an extensive listing of local resources, services and shelters, background information, legal considerations and steps to take to move from abuse to safety. The binder is free of charge and available upon request.  officeforwomen@dioceseofcleveland.org

The full text of the Bishops’ Statement can be found at United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Office for Women has videos available on the topic of domestic violence.  Call or e-mail us for further information.

Women and Children of Colombia

Debbie Marsey, Director of the Office for Women, recently traveled to Colombia with Sister Alicia Alvarado, OP, Director of the Office of  Hispanic Ministry  and Father Robert Begin, staff member of the Catholic Commission on Community Action.  They visited the diocese of Quibdo, Choco, Colombia to offer solidarity and support in the Colombians’ efforts to survive a forty-year civil war which is responsible for the deaths of more than 3,500 people each year.

To share the story of the people of Colombia and their struggles, The Office for Hispanic Ministry and The Office for Women are co-sponsoring a brown bag lunch event July 17, 2003 in the Hagan Lounge of the Catholic Center, 1031 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH. It is from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  All are welcome. Beverages will be provided.  Make a reservation for seating by calling 216-696-6525, ext. 3070 or ext. 2530 or e-mail us at officeforwomen@dioceseofcleveland.org

The presentation will offer an opportunity for you to

  • Learn about the lives of women and children in the Diocese of Quibdó, Chocó, Colombia
  • View slides of the people and this beautiful, bio-diverse area
  • Understand why the land is endangered and the people are being forced to leave
  • Support the women and children of Chocó by purchasing handmade articles they have created.

For more information about Colombians living in the Diocese of Cleveland, read the Universe Bulletin, June 20, 2003.

 

Office for Women in Church & Society
Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio
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