Julie Owens and Ron Clark: leading the movement to end domestic violence

Julie Owens and Ron Clark are two innovative and tireless activists?leading the movement to end domestic violence. Along with Riane Eisler and moderator Renita Robinson, they are part of the panel for the May 22, 2018 webinar “Uncovering the Roots of Violence:?New Perspectives on Domestic Violence, Social Justice, and Faith“, hosted by the Center for Partnership Studies.

In 2017, Julie Owens co-developed the national toolkit and screening tool for adult victims of human trafficking. Her primary focus is best practices in victim advocacy in both secular and faith-based settings. Julie writes: “I am now an independent consultant and trainer, serving as the domestic violence trainer and consultant for Bank of America, and as an Expert Consultant for the Dept. of Justice Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center, as well as the DHHS National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center. I have been sent to train in other nations by the U.S. Dept. of State as well.

Much of my work has focused on training pastors and religious leaders to understand the history of violence against women and the responsibilities of the faith community in addressing it by supporting victims and holding abusers accountable, especially when they use religion as an excuse, or twist religious scriptures to suggest that men are ?supposed to be the head of the family?, that ?wives must submit to their husbands?, etc.”

Read more about Julie’s advocacy and her connection with Riane’s groundbreaking book The Chalice and the Blade.

Ron Clark is the minister for the Agape Church of Christ in downtown Portland, OR. He has been in ministry for over 30 years. He is an adjunct instructor for Portland Seminary and is co-chair of the Pacific Northwest Society of Biblical Literature?s ?World of Early Christianity and New Testament Scriptures? section. He has authored books and articles concerning Intimate Partner Violence and Theology, Biblical studies and ministry, and Marriage and Family Ministry. Ron has an M.Div. and D.Min. from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, TN. He and his wife Lori planted Agape Church of Christ in downtown Portland in 2007 and lead ministries with various state, county, and local government agencies addressing houselessness, prostitution, abuse, trafficking, and developing healthy marriages. Ron and Lori have been married since 1987 and have three sons.

Read about Ron’s book Setting the Captives Free