The idea for ARISE was conceived in May, 2003. In her work as a therapist and later as a spiritual director journeying with survivors of abuse, Mary Klein saw a need within the Christian community for a deeper understanding of the experience of abuse and the need for resources to address this problem. Aware also of the numerous barriers to addressing the experience of abuse, she felt called to develop an organization which would serve as an avenue for dialogue and action on these issues at a broader community level. She wanted to extend the definition of resource beyond the idea of one or a few persons sharing expertise and knowledge, to a community working together to develop new attitudes and ways of being which support healing and justice.

Key to this vision was that ARISE would:

• bridge different denominations, areas of service and groups which are committed to healing and justice.
• address this issue from multiple perspectives – psychological, theological, spiritual and cultural.
• explore avenues for dialogue between different groups and perspectives.
• create awareness of the ways in which the abuse of power is manifested and lead to healing and transformation of persons and systems

 Find out more