Cathy Holtmann and Nancy Nason-Clark organised a public screening of the documentary “I Believe You: Faith’s Response to Intimate Partner Violence” followed by a Religious Leaders Panel at the University of New Brunswick. “I Believe You” is an Emmy-nominated documentary created by Diva Communications Inc. that explores the stories of religious survivors of abuse and how faith groups can respond to their needs (Facebook Page).
The documentary includes several clips where Nancy Nason-Clark is discussing her research on religion and domestic violence and highlights the RAVE website (www.theraveproject.org), a project in which Cathy Holtmann was involved.
Following the screening, five religious leaders representing different faith groups each responded to the film and then members of the audience asked them questions. Please watch the videos below to find out what the religious leaders have to say.
United Church Minister
Ellen Beairsto is a minister at Wilmot United Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She speaks about the courage it takes for victims to disclose abuse to clergy and that disclosure is a gift of trust.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/67L0gSIyok0
Baptist Leader
Lois Mitchell is the Director of Public Witness and Social Concerns for the Atlantic Baptist Convention. She emphasizes the necessity for faith groups to speak a unified and prophetic voice in condemning intimate partner violence.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/16y4xAE1HQA
Roman Catholic Priest
Monte Peters serves as a Catholic priest. He points out the confusion in the hearts of victims as they deal with the abuse along with their feelings of love for the abuser.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/HQ4HvBmGLuw
Muslim Leader
Aamir Jamal is faculty member of the School of Social Work at St. Thomas University. He argues that it is up to Muslim men to work together for change when it comes to the misinterpretation of sacred texts.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/zgUtu2J5FNY
Buddhist Instructor
Craig Schneiders is a meditation instructor with the Shambhala Buddhist community. He talks about how Buddhists need to engage in daily practice, in order to deal with confusion and to become more compassionate.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/m0aKVcDaIiY
