Loving God, you made each of us in your image and likeness.

Open our eyes to recognise one another as equals, replacing domination and control, violence, and abuse, with mutuality, reciprocity, respect, and freedom.

Jesus Christ, you rejected the use of religious traditions to justify violence.

Teach us to unmask manipulations of our faith used to justify violent, abusive, or coercive behaviour.

Teach us to be people who show tenderness, respect and care for others as you did.

Holy Spirit, you are with us always, showing us the way.

Move us to assist those who experience violence and abuse, and support their call for justice.

Empower us to hold perpetrators of violence and abuse responsible, encouraging them to change their behaviour.

Amen