Holding the Light Ecumenical Service, 28 November 2024

	Above: Dr Hannah Craven with Deacon Oliver Slewa, Policy and Projects Officer for the NCCA at Wesley Church, Melbourne. Photo credit: O Slewa

On 28 November 2024, the Holding the Light Ecumenical Service, remembering victim-survivors of family violence, was held at Wesley Church in Melbourne. 

Deacon Oliver Slewa, Policy and Projects Officer for the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), was invited as a guest speaker and co-panellist. He addressed the critical role of churches and church leaders in supporting victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. 

The service, organised by a unity of churches in collaboration with the Victorian Council of Churches, is held annually during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. It provides a space to remember those who have lost their lives to family and domestic violence, stand in solidarity with victim-survivors, acknowledge their pain, and listen to their voices.

Now in its ninth year, the service is invitational, held in a spirit of welcome and inclusion. 

During a Q&A session, Oliver joined Dr Hannah Craven to discuss theology and the role of churches in addressing and preventing domestic and family violence. 

Oliver shared a powerful message with attendees, emphasising that "every church can be ready and equipped with the relevant information to support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and ensure early intervention mechanisms are in place to reduce and ultimately end domestic violence." He encouraged churches to invest in support staff such as counsellors and domestic violence caseworkers or to partner with service providers to create safe spaces for those experiencing domestic and family violence, elder abuse, or child abuse.

Oliver also reflected on his previous role as Project Officer for the NSW Ecumenical Council’s domestic violence project, supported in its inaugural year by funding from the Glenburnie Fund through the NCCA. The project successfully delivered workshops and forums designed to empower church leaders with:

• Information on navigating the legal and justice system
• Prevention and early intervention strategies
• Resources to support victim-survivors and guide offenders towards seeking help

Additionally, the project produced resources translated into 31 languages, which remain accessible via the NCCA website under the Domestic Violence Project - NCCA  

This service and Oliver's contributions highlight the ongoing commitment of faith communities to addressing domestic and family violence and fostering a culture of support and prevention.

Above: images from the Ecumenical Service at Wesley Church, Melbourne. Photo credit: O Slewa