Churches have 'big part to play' in ending trafficking

Churches are being encouraged to get involved in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

The Churches Against Trafficking tour, by charity One by One, has been visiting churches around England and the Isle of Man highlighting how Christians can be part of the campaign to end the scourge. 

The work of churches will be featured in a TBN UK documentary airing on Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October, and a reception at the Houses of Parliament the same week. 

The campaign is being supported by Andrew Selous, MP for South West Bedfordshire and Second Church Estates Commissioner, who said he was "appalled" to learn that 50 million people are trapped in slavery around the world today. 

He said it was a "huge issue" and one that he had encountered instances of in his own constituency.

He said it was an issue "that churches need to be really involved with". 

"Many people might have thought that we ended slavery with the great campaign of William Wilberforce, but I've been shocked to find out that there are more people in modern slavery being trafficked today, than there ever have been before," he said.

"Churches have a big part to play here in the UK and globally in supporting that important work, for someone to be another human beings slave, is to deny their dignity as someone created in the image of the living God, so it should be something that touches everyone of us as a Christian and that is why I am so pleased to support the work One By One is doing."

One By One works with child victims of forced labour in Pakistan's brick kilns. Through its Dignity Project initiative, it is working across eight countries to provide girls at risk of trafficking with reusable sanitary pads and help them stay in school.

One By One CEO Becky Murray said: "There are now more people in slavery than ever before – and it will take far more than one charity to stop this.

"We need the backing of every church, every politician and everyone who has a voice. If we all play our part, we can begin to see an end to exploitation and see freedom come to many lives across the world."

News
Christians urged to speak out against 'conversion practices' bill
Christians urged to speak out against 'conversion practices' bill

The call comes amid warnings from The Christian Institute that the proposals could threaten parental guidance and pastoral ministry.

Churches challenged to make single Christians feel fully part of church life
Churches challenged to make single Christians feel fully part of church life

Churches need to move beyond assumptions that marriage and family are the normal markers of a fulfilled Christian life and create communities where single people are fully valued, speakers at the inaugural Single Friendly Church Network conference have said. 

Liechtenstein Prince blocks abortion law reform, advocates greater support for mothers
Liechtenstein Prince blocks abortion law reform, advocates greater support for mothers

Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois has refused to approve legislation that would have eased the country’s abortion restrictions, arguing that greater efforts should instead be made to support pregnant women.