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The Rev. Steven Saul, pastor of Trinity Anglican Church, used to believe that domestic violence couldn’t happen among his congregation.

“I thought members of my church would seek counseling from the pastor or a licensed counselor long before violence resulted,” Saul said.

However, his recent service on the board of the Douglas County Task Force on Family Violence has opened his eyes to the fact that such violence is prevalent throughout out society, even among church members.

“It’s a current issue and it’s happening in Douglas County,” he said. “I want to have the churches become proactive in helping victims who suffer from domestic violence.”

This has led Saul on a mission to make the local religious community aware of the domestic violence problem and to help them recognize signs when it is happening. He also wants to see pastors take an active role in speaking out against violence from the pulpit.

Saul has scheduled two individual public “lunch and learn” meetings for clergy on domestic violence at the Task Force office at 8479 Price Street in downtown Douglasville. These meetings are set from noon to 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2. The lunch is free but interested people need to register by calling 678-715-1196 since seating is limited.

Saul cited the 2008 Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Report, an annual report by the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, to emphasize the need for church involvement.

The report shows that 25 percent of domestic violence victims and 17 percent of the perpetrators are actively involved with a church, temple or synagogue.

“What this says to me is that there’s an absolute place for the church to serve in an advocate or support role for people suffering abuse,” he said. “I want to encourage them to speak about the issues from the pulpit and avoid hiding what is public.”

The lunch meetings will include the showing of a 48-minute video, “Hear Their Cries: Religious Responses to Child Abuse.” Questions and discussion from the attendees will follow the video. Saul said he is keeping the groups small to encourage more participation and discussion. He said future sessions will be scheduled as additional people call about the programh.

“Building an awareness in the faith community is the primary objective,” he said. “I’d love to have all local pastors attend. I also welcome counseling staff from churches and ministers who work in children’s education.”

He said he also welcomes clergy from Jewish, Muslim and other faiths at these lunches.

“I’d like to build a community network so that domestic violence is recognizable and the task force is seen as a resource for churches in the county,” he said.