Bethel Pastoral Centre
A Centre that is independent and separate from the Church – funded by the Victoria/Tasmania Synod, for those who have experienced abuse within the church; whether it be emotional, spiritual, physical or sexual in nature, (currently or in the past)
The Centre also works in a range of ways on the broader aim of preventing abuse within the Church.
- An accessible space, a confidential safe place, providing counselling, support and information.
- A centre within the church offering training and consultation for those assisting people who are dealing with abuse;
- A network across the synod for support;
- A resource/information service regarding abuse;
- Collaboration with others with related interests.
Our Logo
A circle symbolises wholeness and unity. Bethel’s task is to promote and facilitate that unity and wholeness where this has been broken, as symbolised by the two half circles. The two halves are not necessarily equal. The circle incorporates Bethel as the outstretched encompassing arms of the cross.
The name ‘Bethel’ or ‘Beth-El’ means house of God. In Genesis 28, Jacob, at a time of alienation, becomes aware that he stands in the presence and under the grace of God. ‘Truly the Lord is in this place and I did not know it… This is no other than the house of God’… ‘He called that place Bethel.’ God’s people of old became aware that they stood within the promises made by God; the promise of God’s presence and protection to counter loneliness and fear; the assurance that God is faithful and dependable.
Abuse within the church
Bethel Pastoral Centre provides counselling for people who have been abused by individuals and processes within the Church and for those support people who have experienced abuse, or who wish to be better informed.
Download Bethel brochure for a printable version of who we are and what we do.
