St John’s Café Church this month talked about human trafficking and modern day slavery. Teresa May brought the Modern Slavery Act into force which has successfully prosecuted slave traders, but what are we doing as Christians today?
Most of the congregation had some knowledge of the subject and it was generally agreed many people find themselves at the mercy of gang masters because of poverty, persecution or war. Areas of concern are labour on the land, organs taken for money or against someone’s will, sex industry, forced marriages, slavery (live in carers, waiters, cleaners paid below minimum wage). Many of us acknowledged we would be fearful of intervention in terms of our personal safety and that of our families, but all of us must be vigilant to assist anyone in need, always using the proper authorities such as the Police or Social Services. The vulnerable of all ages do not have the freedom to choose.
God has dominion over all things and through prayer support and practical giving to services such as the Salvation Army, Tearfund and other charitable bodies, we can help to support not only the victims of these crimes, but those who prey on the vulnerable.
Our final prayer was for all who work against human trafficking.
“Lord of creation, we thank you for all who are working to combat human trafficking: for governments and agencies, for Church and other faith leaders, for charities and individuals. Help us to be part of love’s movement to work for a world where human beings are valued, free to come and go, where no one is enslaved, no one used against their will for other’s pleasure, or other’s need.” Amen
Margaret Kitchen, Chris Stanisstreet and Stewart Jackson
Most of the congregation had some knowledge of the subject and it was generally agreed many people find themselves at the mercy of gang masters because of poverty, persecution or war. Areas of concern are labour on the land, organs taken for money or against someone’s will, sex industry, forced marriages, slavery (live in carers, waiters, cleaners paid below minimum wage). Many of us acknowledged we would be fearful of intervention in terms of our personal safety and that of our families, but all of us must be vigilant to assist anyone in need, always using the proper authorities such as the Police or Social Services. The vulnerable of all ages do not have the freedom to choose.
God has dominion over all things and through prayer support and practical giving to services such as the Salvation Army, Tearfund and other charitable bodies, we can help to support not only the victims of these crimes, but those who prey on the vulnerable.
Our final prayer was for all who work against human trafficking.
“Lord of creation, we thank you for all who are working to combat human trafficking: for governments and agencies, for Church and other faith leaders, for charities and individuals. Help us to be part of love’s movement to work for a world where human beings are valued, free to come and go, where no one is enslaved, no one used against their will for other’s pleasure, or other’s need.” Amen
Margaret Kitchen, Chris Stanisstreet and Stewart Jackson
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