We popped over to Fakenham early yesterday morning [Bob wanted to see a chap on the market about some secondhand tools] and went round to the Parish Church for Coffee. They have a beautiful new glass door, and inside, some new steps and a neat ramp for buggies and wheelchairs. They are making every effort to be welcoming to visitors.The Norfolk Mothers' Union has a travelling exhibition [Souls of our Shoes] at the moment. MU is spearheading a campaign called
RISE UP working to support all those affected by domestic violence.
The title stands for
Respond, Inform, Support, Empower
Unite, Pray
Alongside pairs of discarded shoes are quotes from those affected by such abuse - women, and children. It is very powerful to read their words.
There was plenty of literature offering support and help. Women's Aid [a charity which has been around for half a century] estimates that 1 in 4 women in the UK have suffered domestic abuse [and 1 in 7 men] It was a very thought provoking exhibition. I do hope that all those on the other side of the church, enjoying coffee and cake , took time to stop and look before they left. Well done MU for flagging this up!
I didn't spend anything much [Bob has yet to buy the tools] apart from 70p on two vintage stitching magazines and 5 lots of stranded threads in variegated colours. But we did enjoy a very gentle stroll in the sun.
I love that welcome sign! Somebody took a lot of time and prayer on that.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it is original or borrowed from elsewhere. But I agree with you, carefully thought out
DeleteThere seem to be several variations on various church sites.
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DeleteI have seen it at the parish church in Bowden, in Cheshire. Margaret in South Manchester
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's a church of England thing...
DeleteThat is a lovely welcome at Fakenham church. Very powerful display by the Mother's Union. If it helps one woman or man, it will have done a good job and highlights domestic violence to the wider community.
ReplyDeleteI have mentioned before that our daughter Ang works with children and young adults who have witnessed domestic abuse or have been in an abusive relationships. Such a hard but rewarding job which will hopefully break the circle for some of them.
Yes, raising awareness and the possibility of help for the abused mean thx exhibition will have done it's job . God bless your daughter for the work she is doing. You must be so proud of her 😊👍❤️
DeleteThank you a thought provoking and uplifting post. Many years ago I volunteered for WA. A very worthy cause. I love the glass door. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteOh well done sue, for practical work with WA 👍❤️
DeleteI love that welcome sign, so inclusive and it must bring a smile to all that read it. The Souls of Our Shoes exhibition is poignant. I had an assistant manager who had been physically abused by his first wife for years and I know the mental damage it does. Him telling me about it was such a brave thing to do. Happily he had found the strength to break free, and had eventually found a second wife and family that were just right for him.
ReplyDeleteYes, we must never forget that women can be the abusers. It must be really hard for a man to admit that
DeleteThe welcome at Fakeham Church is wonderful and we often end up in church coffee shops when we are out and about on our travels. The glass door is stunning and the exhibition is so very moving. Have a good weekend. Catriona
ReplyDeleteChurch cakes can be splendid (and often cheaper than coffee shop chains) Enjoy your weekend away in the ☀️
DeleteI’ve sent your blog to one of the Fakenham MU members who helped set up the Exhibition. She is going to forward it to the County President.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Thank you Ann. You are a great supporter of MU in Norfolk
DeleteI like the glass doors. We had a “welcomer,” who stood behind the solid church door to open it when he heard someone about to enter. He would not accept that it was both frightening and threatening to women.
ReplyDeleteScary!
DeleteThey've worked hard to make it into a welcoming community. The exhibition is very well done.
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DeleteI love the welcome message for that church!
ReplyDeleteSadly we have what is being called an epidemic of gender-based violence against women and girls in Canada. Those in rural areas are often cut off from help. Indigenous women and girls are particularly at risk. 🙏
That is so sad to read 😢
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