The church is to care for orphans and widows (James 1:27). An abuser
has essentially orphaned his children and abandoned his wife. He has
turned his vocation as a caregiver and protector on its head and
corrupted it. Where the husband is meant to be a source of strength and
safety, he has become weak and a source of fear and violence.
If so, the
church must step up and step in. Wives and children of abusers must be
able to see in the church a refuge, a place of safety and help. Abused
church members are the most vulnerable of all of Christ’s lambs and to
them we owe a duty of special care and protection.