Statement in Support of Equal Protection for Children
Changing the law to give children equal protection from assault is crucial, because it says so much about the sort of society we want for every child in modern Britain.
Ending the practice of hitting children in the name of discipline is long overdue and will reflect the seriousness with which the UK regards the human rights of every child to grow up free from the fear of being hit and humiliated by those whose duty it is to protect children from harm.
For Christians, ending this commonplace form of violence against children is not only a moral imperative, it is about following Jesus' example of giving children the respect to which they are entitled.
Jesus offered a new way of relating to others through love and mutual respect and that includes children. This means teaching and guiding children by adult example - not through the humiliation of hitting and causing pain to children. Jesus responded to children by placing them in the centre of the group, as in Mark 9: 37: "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
It is important that extensive public education promoting positive, non-violent parenting and access to resources and support for parents, accompanies law reform.
This is an opportunity for our values and hopes for our children and families to shape the laws of our land and to make a positive difference. If we really want a less violent society we must end the legality of hitting children and treat our children with gentleness, compassion and respect.
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