Church urged to strengthen protection of women and children through the family

Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, has stressed the important role of the church in strengthening the protection of women and children through the family. “The family is the first and foremost place for a child to learn about love, security, and self-worth. When the family is strong, efforts to protect women and children can be prevented at the root,” said Wamen PPPA Veronica Tan in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday. She made the remarks while attending the 2026 National Pastoral Convention (Konpasnas) at the Manado State Christian Institute (IAKN) in Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. Veronica Tan also encouraged pastors and church leaders to provide pastoral services that are closer to the problems faced by families. According to her, church services are not sufficient if only carried out through ceremonial activities, but need to reach the real needs of the community, including strengthening child-rearing, protection of women, and prevention of domestic violence. “In various cases that have occurred, women are often powerless and children are unprotected. Many consider women to have no value. However, when we are strengthened in a community, a sincere heart and empathy strengthen us wherever we are,” said Veronica Tan. Meanwhile, the Rector of the Manado State Christian Institute (IAKN), Olivia Wuwung, expressed hope that Konpasnas 2026 would become an important momentum to strengthen synergy between the government and religious institutions in building resilient families, while creating a safe environment for women and children. “We believe that contemporary pastoral ministry is no longer just a spiritual matter. Therefore, the theme raised today is very important for the moral, social, and academic calling that we must fight for together,” said Olivia Wuwung.