Holding the Light is an ecumenical service, welcome to all, to remember victims and survivors of family and domestic violence, with the aim to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic violence, and to remember those who have been killed as a result of domestic violence in Australia.
Now in its 6th year and due to the easing of restrictions, the Holding the Light service will be held in person in Melbourne on this coming Sunday 28th November at 2.30pm hosted by St Peter’s Eastern Hill Anglican Church (15 Gisborne St, East Melbourne VIC 3002). The service will be livestreamed on Sunday 28 November 2021, at 2.30pm.
In person attendees must be fully vaccinated. For those unable to attend in person, you can join the live stream on the St Peter’s YouTube channel or Facebook via the below links.
While it is held within the Christian tradition, all who might like to join together and take part in a ritual, a time of quiet, lament, and prayer/reflection, on the tragic results of violence are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The service provides an opportunity to commit ourselves and our faith communities: parishes, churches, schools and social services, to be a part of real and positive change for the future.
This year, the organising committee decided that the offering for the service will support Sacred Heart Mission Women’s House – please use this link to donate to their important work if you are able.
We remember:
- Those killed as a result of domestic violence by naming those who are victims in the service, and by ringing a gong for each of them
- Stand in solidarity with victim/survivors by recognising their pain, and listening to their voices
- Take time to reflect and commit ourselves to addressing the drivers of violence in our own attitudes, communities and contexts
- Take hope in the Christian message that all may be healed and redeemed, while acknowledging the ongoing trauma, suffering and danger experienced by so many in our communities due to the ongoing use of violence and abuse.
- Holding the Light is held in solidarity with, and as a part of a Christian response to, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence — this is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. Started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 it continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Donations offered will support Sacred Heart Mission Women’s Housing Support.
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