Prevent Child Abuse

Statement on Abuse
From the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
When we founded CBMW in 1987, part of our rationale in the Danvers Statement indicated our deep concern about “the upsurge of physical and emotional abuse in the family.” For the health of the family, we now offer this expanded statement on abuse.The BackgroundWhen CBMW was founded in 1987, its leaders wrote in the Danvers Statement that “We have been moved in our purpose by the following contemporary developments which we observe with deep concern.”

Child abuse in protestant churches is a real problem. Just last week several church insurance agencies have spoken out on this problem. I am proud to say that Southern Baptists Churches are aware of the issues and looking for ways to protect children. Here is the historic resolution passed by the Southern Baptist Convention against child abuse last month.

Child abuse and neglect is a disgrace to our nation. Even worse – many Christians are unaware of the issue. I believe that churches should be leading the way.
Sunday, April 29, 2007 was designated as National Blue Sunday. This was a day set aside for churches to pray for the victims of child abuse. As believers it should break our hearts when children suffer. We must recognize that God values children. The Bible says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3) Kids matter to God. We must affirm that little ones are God’s gift to us. Christians should be the first ones to stand against child abuse. We must defend children and work for real change.