Not Engaging is Political

In the sixth episode of our Lent podcast series, ecological ethicist Byron Smith is joined by minister Erica Mandi Manga and Common Grace’s Domestic and Family Violence Justice Coordinator Ellaina Welsman to discuss Peter’s denial of Christ in John 18. 

Peter’s story invites us to consider how we navigate difficult choices—especially when it comes to power and politics. While we often see neutrality, or choosing to be apolitical, as a way to avoid controversy, staying silent is actually a political decision. Injustice thrives when people choose not to engage. Though Peter’s failure is deeply relatable, his denial of Jesus reminds us that inaction has deep consequences.

Erica and Ellaina share insights from their work with churches in the area of domestic and family violence justice. They explore how churches that choose not to engage with these critical issues—whether out of discomfort or fear—are making a choice with real impact. Together, they discuss practical ways we can stand alongside victim survivors, listen to difficult truths, and ensure our churches are places of safety, justice, and healing, where voices who have been typically silenced are instead heard and valued. 

Listen to this podcast episode below

You can also download the episode via this Google Drive link.

A transcript of this conversation can be downloaded here. 

Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

John 18:15-27

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We invite you to pray and continue reflecting on this conversation today. 

Reflect:

What struck you most about the Bible passage, particularly when comparing the different responses Peter and Jesus have to their accusers?

Have you ever said you are "not political" or decided not to engage in a particular political discussion? What do you think was motivating you during this time?

What is one practical step you can take to help move your church toward being a place that is safer for survivors and victims of domestic and family violence?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, 

We pray for all of those in our churches who are victims of domestic and family violence. Be close to them, comfort them, and give them the resources that they need each day. Help our churches to become communities of refuge and support for people who are not safe. And as we consider this issue, help us to be brave and to not step away from issues of justice, as uncomfortable as they may be. 

We pray all this in your strength, Amen.

Go Deeper:

SAFER is a free online resource created by Common Grace in 2017 to help Australian churches understand, identify, and respond to domestic and family violence. SAFER is used globally by people seeking to better understand what God has to say about domestic violence, and what Christianity has to offer those who are experiencing violence and those who are using violence.

‘The Cost of Domestic Violence to Women’s Employment and Education’, a report by Anne Summers with Thomas Shortridge and Kristen Sobeck, released through the University of Technology, Sydney.

Equip yourself to respond with compassion and confidence through Ridley’s free Responding to Domestic and Family Violence course, presented by Erica Mandi Manga. This faith-informed training includes a vital lesson on spiritual abuse and is essential for anyone seeking to support victim-survivors and help create safer communities.

	Erica Mandi Manga (née Hamence) previously served as an Associate Minister at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Broadway. Erica has been involved with Common Grace’s Domestic and Family Violence Justice Team since 2015 where she played a key role in developing Common Grace’s SAFER Resource.
	Byron Smith is an ecological ethicist helping churches connect the care of creation with Christian discipleship. He holds a PhD in theological ethics, exploring emotional responses to climate disruption and their relationship to faith and identity.
	Ellaina Welsman is Common Grace’s Supporter Engagement Manager and Domestic and Family Violence Justice Coordinator. She holds a Master’s in International Studies (Refugees) and has a diverse background in strategy, project management, fundraising, communications, and church engagement. Ellaina’s passion for gender equality, sustainability, and organisational growth is driven by her love for Jesus and his compassion for all of creation.