This year’s enditnow event was marked with inspiring rallies in Sydney and Victoria, along with an online summit that brought participants together from across the country.
The Sydney rally, held at Mountain View Adventist College on Sabbath afternoon (August 23), saw more than 100 people gather—an increase from last year’s attendance. The program featured music by New Sydney Samoan, speeches by Greater Sydney Conference leaders and an insightful presentation by Claire Marsh, psychologist and manager of Adventist Counselling Services. The afternoon concluded with a Q&A session and a sausage sizzle.
One of the most moving moments came when an abuse survivor shared her journey of pain and her ongoing path to healing. “I used to think healing meant forgetting; now I know it means remembering without being owned by the pain,” she shared.
Having experienced sexual abuse as a child, she spoke about trust, forgiveness and identity. “In spite of all that happened then and how my younger years were affected, by some miracle I have a relationship with God,” she said.
“I say to myself, I am who I am in Christ. I am His child. I am worthy of His love, salvation and grace because of who He is. I’m His work of art.”
Speakers reinforced the Christian commitment to stand against abuse. Greater Sydney Conference president Pastor Alban Matohiti reminded the audience that “in God’s kingdom . . . there is no place for violence in whatever shape and form that presents itself”.
Referencing John 14:27, he said in a world full of insecurity, violence and fear, Jesus gives us peace. “You’ll be surprised how many of us need the peace of Jesus,” he said. “We need His presence to really be true in our lives so we can bless others with that gift that Jesus has set aside for a world that is struggling with pain and fear.
Ms Marsh urged the community to respond with wisdom, compassion and practical action. “Every time we speak up, we break the silence,” she said. “Every time we offer compassion we restore dignity and every time we act we move closer to ending it now. Love is not submission, but safety. The Church should be safe not silent. So let us be a generation that sees a pattern and stops it, let us be a Church that reflects the heart of Christ, a heart that heals, protects and uplifts, and let us be a community that says no more, not here, let’s end it now.”
In addition to the Sydney event, rallies were also held in Burwood, Melbourne, and Bairnsdale in regional Victoria—the first time two rallies have been held in Victoria. Sixty Go Bags were collected to support people experiencing domestic violence.
The annual online summit on Friday evening (August 22) attracted around 100 viewers on YouTube and Facebook. Keynote speaker Dr Paul Borgacs led the discussion, which also featured an engaging panel session. During the summit, organisers introduced a new enditnow website, a project of the Australian Union Conference, which includes practical guidance, tools and policies to equip local churches to become safe spaces. The site provides free videos, articles and a downloadable Breaking the Silence booklet, with a teen edition also available.
The enditnow movement, initiated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, continues to raise awareness, inspire change, and provide hope and healing for survivors.
Australian Union Conference women’s ministries director Pastor Sylvia Mendez said it is an initiative the Church can be proud of.
“I pray that these events continue to grow and more of our people are educated and have a greater understanding of how we—the Seventh-day Adventist Church—are working to raise awareness and ultimately bring an end to violence,” she said.
