A Light in the Darkness: St Catherine’s Joins Restored Beacon Network

St Catherine’s Church, Pontypridd has officially launched as a Restored Beacon Church, marking a significant commitment to providing safety, compassion and practical support for those experiencing domestic abuse. The designation aligns the church with Restored, a Christian charity dedicated to creating a world where women live free from the fear of violence.

Restored’s mission is to speak out about the realities of violence against women and girls, and to equip churches to stand against domestic abuse while offering meaningful support to survivors. Since 2010, the charity has been raising awareness of violence against women and helping churches across the UK and beyond respond with wisdom, care and accountability. Its Survivors Network now supports more than 900 female Christian survivors of domestic abuse, and its widely used Survivors Handbook continues to guide women navigating the complex and often dangerous process of leaving an abusive relationship.

Research conducted by Restored reveals that domestic abuse is far more prevalent within church communities than many realise. One in four churchgoers has experienced abuse in a current relationship. Abuse strips women of their dignity, safety and hope, often leaving them isolated and unsure who to trust, including God.

Restored envisions a network of churches that refuse to tolerate abuse and instead offer refuge, restoration and a tangible expression of God’s love. In 2022, the charity launched the Restored Beacon Network: churches committed to shining a light into the darkness of domestic abuse and supporting survivors within their congregations and wider communities.

The leadership at St Catherine’s Church has embraced this calling wholeheartedly. Rev’d Charlotte Rushton, Ministry Area Leader for Pontypridd, explains the journey:

“The statistics say that 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse, and that is a tragedy. I very naively believed that these women attended other churches, that there was nobody at St Catherine’s who was suffering. However, when three women came forward and made disclosures, my team and I knew that we had to make a stand.

“We reached out to Restored, and with the support of the Diocese, we moved to become a Beacon Church. At the time, we didn’t know how we could best serve those who are being abused; however, we have listened to the survivors’ needs, which is shaping this ministry for us.

“Right now, our priority is to make sure that those people living in an abusive relationship to know that St Catherine’s is here for them. They will be believed, and we will support them as they take back control of their lives.

Jesus came so that we can live the fullness of life with him, and that starts with being liberated from fear.”

This commitment echoes the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

St Catherine’s now stands as a community committed to embodying Christ’s call to love without fear, to break the chains of oppression, and to honour the God‑given dignity of every person.