“Code of Silence: Matthew 10 in the Context of Abuse and Ministry”

Abstract

Victims of domestic violence live with a code of silence. To speak out and share the truth brings pain, suffering, and rejection. The early disciples are reminded of this similar price for the truth in Matthew 10. The hope and comfort that Jesus provided the early Christians is similar to that hope, comfort, and courage that the church can present to victims of domestic violence. While the truth may set them free, it comes with a great cost. My wife Lori and I had presented an abuse workshop in Seattle for the Holgate Street Church of Christ and Bettie Williams-Watson of Project MIC on a weekend in October, 2002; the sermon was on Sunday morning.