Conservative estimates indicate that over 100,000 people are living in modern slavery in the UK today. Modern slavery takes many forms, and is a live issue for parishes across the Diocese.
As such, we all need to have a basic awareness of what to look out for, and how to respond. In that way, we can all help to make our communities a lot safer.
Anti-Slavery Day falls on Friday 18th October this year. Here are three simple things you and your church could do to find out more.
Know what to look out for, so we don’t miss the signs
Could you and your church community take this opportunity to watch a short eLearning course – ‘Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking’?
In this 1 hour entry level training, you will learn about:
- The types of modern slavery, which range from sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, to forced labour and criminal exploitation.
- How to recognise individuals who are at risk/are being exploited.
- How to respond when you identify potential victims/survivors.
Anyone across the Diocese can access the free elearning HERE. You will just need to create a log in if you don’t have one.
Pray for Anti-Slavery Day
Holy God […] We join our cries for help to all the hidden voices of your children suffering from criminal exploitation. As we learn to recognise and share their pain, may we be brought closer to all around us who are hurting in this way, so that together we may be ready to know your healing love. We pray through Jesus, who walked the way of suffering to bring new life to all, Amen.
You can find the full version of this prayer, and six other prayers in the new True Freedom resource, available online.
True Freedom is a six-week course from The World Council of Churches and The Clewer Initiative. It can be used for small groups, drawing on themes from the book of Galatians. It encourages individuals and churches to respond to modern slavery in their communities.
Explore further resources for Anti-Slavery Day
You can find additional resources on our diocesan webpage Responding to Modern Slavery including additional resources for a church service or small group, such as ‘True Freedom’ mentioned above.
There are also ideas for how your church or chaplaincy can get involved in the work to end modern slavery.
The Compassionate Communities team can also visit your church to see what God is doing, listen, learn and advise.
If you would like to organise a visit then please get in touch!
