Christian ministries are uniting for a key event in Birmingham next month to raise awareness among churchgoers of human trafficking and other forms of modern day slavery.
Speakers at The Stand will include Operation Mobilisation Associate International Coordinator and Chair of the Dalit Freedom Network, Dr Joseph D'Souza, Director of the Message Trust, Andy Hawthorne, and Baroness Cox.
The event, at Birmingham's NEC, is an initiative of Hope for Justice, a movement of Christians dedicated to bringing about justice and righteousness.
"Justice issues are not just for Christians, but for all right-minded people on
this planet," said Gary Sloan, the director of Stand partner, Operation Mobilisation UK.
OM has strengthened its commitment to social justice issues in recent years through its pastoral work with India's oppressed Dalits. It now oversees 80 Dalit Education Centres across India.
"God has led us into this area of justice," said Sloan. "When it came to The Stand, it wasn't a long discussion to get involved. This is who OM is, proclaiming God's Word, helping people and standing up for the oppressed.
"As we continue this journey, we look at Jesus in the synagogue and quoting from Isaiah in Luke 4:18 - 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.'"
Top Christian artists, Delirious?, YFriday, thebandwithnoname and Switchfoot's Jon Foreman will also turn out to support the event.
On the web: www.hopeforjustice.org.uk/thestand
-
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
-
The King's Christmas speech: which Gospel?
-
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
-
Two hundred years of the Brethren: who are they and what do they believe?
-
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
-
Ringing in the New Year: A history of New Year traditions in the British Isles
Most Popular
News
Christian killings in Nigeria could double in 2026 if extremist threat is not dealt with - report
Already more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other countries combined.
Church group praying after New Year's fire tragedy in Switzerland
The general secretary of the World Council of Churches said it was a "moment of unimaginable grief and sorrow" for Switzerland.
The story of New Year’s resolutions
1 January is when people traditionally start the new year with a fresh resolution. This is the story …
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.