Pope Francis, in “The Joy of the Gospel,” has this to say about Human Trafficking: “How I wish that all of us would hear God’s cry: ‘Where is your brother?’ (Gen 4:9). Where is your brother or sister who is enslaved? Where is the brother and sister whom you are killing each day in clandestine warehouses, in rings of prostitution, in children used for begging, in exploiting undocumented labor. Let us not look the other way. There is greater complicity than we think. The issue involves everyone! This infamous network of crime is now well established in our cities, and many people have blood on their hands as a result of their comfortable and silent complicity.”
HNP ministries are working to call attention to this crime against humanity and eradicate it. See the educational and formative programs and advocacy efforts currently in place.
To add to the list, contact Fran Eskin-Royer in Holy Name Province’s Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
Efforts that form and inform us to better address the needs of people and/or creation
ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMITTEE
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Triangle, Va.
The St. Francis Anti-Human Trafficking Committee works to bring awareness, action and advocacy around the issue of human trafficking – from sex trafficking to labor trafficking. They hold community awareness presentations; distribute resources and handouts; host guest speakers from organizations leading in the fight against human trafficking; participate in political advocacy campaigns; screen documentaries; hold fundraisers; are members of community task forces; attend law enforcement, victim services, and allied professional trainings; assist other parishes in development; host an annual Fair Trade Global Bazaar; and are partners with USCCB anti-trafficking, International Justice Mission, ACTS SAVAS, The International Police Training Institute (IPTI), and others in the fight against the horrific practices of modern slavery.
Contact: Fr. John O'Connor, OFM
WOMEN'S RIGHTS TEAM AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
St. Mary's Parish
Pompton Lakes, N.J.
The Women’s Rights Team, a parish group formed as the result of a JustFaith program, has taken the issue of human trafficking as its first focus. To learn about their work, visit the parish website. Their efforts also were noted in a front page article on Human Trafficking and Super Bowl 2014 in the Jan. 16, 2014 issue of The Beacon, the local diocesan paper. Regular bulletin entries educate the parish on related issues.
Contact: Jeanne Michaud
ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING WEEK
Siena College
Loudonville, N.Y.
The school's Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women holds an Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Week with films, speakers and letter writing in support of victim services legislation.
Contact: Director, Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women