AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
About House of Refuge
Introduction
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House of Refuge is a ministry supported and facilitated by Love Australia — affiliated with Love Life America, the initiators of House of Refuge. Love Australia’s mission is to unite and mobilise the church to create a culture of love and life that will result in making abortion unthinkable. House of Refuge will empower your church to support those facing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy, guide those hurting by previous abortions to find healing and protect the unborn in your community.
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The Issue
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The negative impact of abortion is widespread—and local churches are not exempt. A U.S. survey by American Care Net found that 40% of women were attending church at least once a month at the time of their abortion. Similarly in Australia women are not feeling able to ask their church for help. Even one woman in this position is too many.
The Solution
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Our heart is to lead with compassion for those hurt by previous abortions as well as creating a safe space for women — and their families, to come to when facing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy. The local church will be a place where women and men find the support and care they need so that an abortion is no longer the first or easiest option. Working together in unity to share the hope of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ — the Church will become an accessible refuge of love and acceptance no matter what choices people have or will make. Having a clear plan in place to care well for those families and for those hurt by abortion to be gently guided to healing and freedom.
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The Vision
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That the church is a safe haven for those in need —knowing and outworking the Heavenly Fathers heart for life. Prepared church communities will be ready and able to provide the support families need when facing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy within their church family. When the church loves each other in this way, we will increase our light which will draw others, outside of the church, looking for hope and healing.
Watch the impact on the House of Refuge
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35
House of Refuge Statement
[Your church name] is a House of Refuge: A place of refuge and safety for anyone dealing with an unplanned/crisis pregnancy. Whether you are a member of this church, a visitor, or it’s someone you know, we are here to help.
If you find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy, please know that being pregnant is not a sin and the child you carry is not a punishment, this child is a blessing. God is creating this child in your womb. Whatever the circumstances that led to this pregnancy, we want you to know that you are loved and we will do whatever it takes to help you carry and care for this precious child before and after birth.
We will never encourage a woman to have an abortion, because the child you carry is made in the image of God and is intrinsically valuable and loved by Him. You need to know how we will respond.
Here is what we won’t do:
Please know that this church family will never gossip about you, shame you, or abandon you. This is a House of Refuge and we will not allow the family of God to harm one another with words or actions contrary to the love of God as revealed in the Bible.
Here is what we will do:
Please know that we will do everything in our power to remove whatever obstacles that stand in the way of you having this child. There are people in this church ready to support and mentor you, connect you with resources inside and outside of our church. We will also encourage men to become great fathers who protect women and children.
Finally, we know that there may be women and men here who were at a stage in their lives when they needed a House of Refuge. You may now live with regret, maybe shame or heartache, over a choice made to terminate your pregnancy. You are not alone. There is refuge available for you as well. We can direct you to individuals who understand and can walk alongside you as you heal by either speaking with us or you can confidentially contact Pregnancy Help Australia. 1300 139 313 pregnancyhelpaustralia.org.au
Goals & Guidelines
House of Refuge Goals
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Prevent
Stop abortions taking place—especially among those already attending our church — by providing the love and support needed for women to keep their babies.
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Provide
Help those who have had an abortion find healing and understanding rather than judgement.
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Protect
Position the church to be a place of refuge where families run to so they have no need to seek an abortion clinic.
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Guidelines
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Our role is to lead with love and compassion, we are not here to judge.
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When the pastor is ready they can sign the pastors agreement here;
https://unqlink.com/widget/survey/iMveqGr2jpKktoMl3gLT
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Create a Team
Select an official representative, mentors and volunteers. Love Australia will equip them with the necessary training to establish a House of Refuge ministry in your church. It is important that the proper support network is in place before you begin to advertise or discuss the issue of abortion. Raising the issue without following it up with the appropriate care can be harmful to those who have had an abortion (this will be covered in our training).
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Remind
Please read the House of Refuge statement from the pulpit at least twice a year and post the statement publically on your website and/or in your church foyer (churches have allowance to make minor changes to the statement to fit their context better). Please note the reading of this statement may trigger people. Have your HR team available while the statement is being read (how to approach this will be covered in detail during training).
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Introduce
Introduce/identify your HR representative to the congregation as the point of contact.
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Be ready to act
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Prepare and Provide
Know ahead of time exactly what services your church can/cannot provide to families in need. HR will provide a referral and resource list, but we encourage you to create a list of your own local referrals and connections. Connecting to your local Pregnancy Resource Centre is an important part of being prepared with qualified support services (information about how to do this is covered in our training).