The Church of England is being urged to pray for victims of human trafficking at services this Sunday.

Freedom Sunday, a global day of prayer, action and worship backed by major Christian denominations in Britain, takes place on October 19.

Organisers have produced a set of resources for churches with prayers, Bible studies, reflections, case studies and sermon notes to help mark the day.

In a foreword to the resources, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, warns that human trafficking is a “grave crime” against humanity.

“It is a form of modern day slavery and a profound violation of the intrinsic dignity of human beings,” he wrote.

“It is intolerable that millions of fellow human beings should be violated in this way, subjected to inhuman exploitation and deprived of their dignity and rights.”

The Bishop of Derby, The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, said:  “I hope that we can each try to make a commitment to freedom.  Giving thanks for the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy, praying for a richer witness to freedom in our world, and trying to use the opportunities of Freedom Sunday to focus and further this vital work of the Good News of Jesus Christ for our times.”

The Revd Jane Vlach, curate of Holy Trinity and St Mary’s in Guildford, and a member of the Human Trafficking Foundation advisory forum, urged all parishes in the Church of England to use the Freedom Prayer enclosed in the resources.

She said: “We need effective legislation to bring the perpetrators of human trafficking to justice. Communities such as the Church of England can play a significant part not only in acting against injustice but also in offering an alternative reality.  

“Human trafficking is disfiguring the vision of God’s Kingdom."

Freedom Sunday is supported by major Christian denominations and ecumenical groups including the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church, and The Salvation Army. 

It comes as the Church of England backs measures to strengthen the Modern Slavery Bill – a Bill currently going through Parliament aimed at tackling human trafficking into Britain.

The Salvation Army published research earlier this week showing that more than 1,800 victims of human trafficking in England and Wales have received support from the charity since 2011.

Forced labour cases grew at a faster rate last year than sexual exploitation for the first time, it added. 

Notes:
 

Freedom Sunday resources can be found at: 
http://bit.ly/UCOmfL

Freedom Sunday is a day of worship, prayer and action on human trafficking. On Sunday  October 19, or Saturday October 18, (for those whom Saturday is the Sabbath) churches all over the world will join together to raise awareness of the crime of human trafficking and show the world compassion for men, women and children who are trafficked and exploited.