Reverend Canon Cynthia Dowdle will oversee the service, which is the first of it's kind to be held at the iconic cathedral.
Rev Dowdle, who is the chair of the Women's Issue Forum in the Diocese of Liverpool said: “It's something I've wanted to do since coming to Liverpool Cathedral.
“ I just feel the Lady Chapel is the right place to do this, it feels secure and safe and has the lovely windows featuring the noble women – and all sorts of women from Liverpool.
“I'm hoping the liturgy will take people from the position where they can't feel themselves, which could be quite a raw, dark place and bring them through to a position of hope for the future and feel a bit of self worth and confidence again.”
The Reverend explained how she was inspired by the women she heard speak at the United Nations Consultation on the Status of Women in New York where she was asked to attend as a representative of the Church of England.
The service is open to people of all faiths and denominations and Rev Dowdle hopes it will give men who may be suffering domestic abuse a chance to come forward.
She said: “It can be quite difficult for a man to admit he's being abused by a female partner and for that I've asked for male stewards to be on duty so it isn't a shock.”
The service will include prayers, readings and poems which Reverend Dowdle believes can be key in the healing process.
She said: “Story telling is very powerful, it can help people to understand they're not the only ones in that situation.
“Releasing stories can begin some healing as it may be the first time they have heard it spoken.
“Hopefully we can go on to form groups in which victims of domestic abuse can share their stories.”
The service takes place at 4pm on Saturday 12th November.
For further enquiries go to www.liverpool.anglican.org
Cologne Girls Choir to join girl choristers from both Liverpool Cathedrals for unique concert
(Tue 22/05)
Liverpool Music Awards 2012 Launches
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment