Salford Diocese launches Modern Slavery Statement

Source: Caritas Salford

On February 8th each year, Pope Francis calls an International Day of Prayer for Awareness Against Human Trafficking. This day is recognised on the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of seven. After she was freed in Italy years later, she became a nun and has since emerged as a patron for all victims of trafficking. St Josephine's legacy remains in the work undertaken by the local anti-trafficking groups around the world.

To mark this year, Salford Diocese, together with Caritas Salford, the Cathedral Centre Bookshop, and SDC Trading have published the first diocesan Modern Slavery Statement.

The Statement outlines steps the Diocese is taking to combat slavery, including ethical investment, work in advocacy and social justice, training and advice.

Read the full statement here: www.caritassalford.org.uk/news/diocese-takes-important-step-towards-tackling-modern-slavery/

Welcoming the statement, Bishop John, said: "I welcome and endorse this Statement which acknowledges our potential complicity in human exploitation and commits the Diocese to doing everything we can to ensure that our supply chains are free of modern slavery.

"There is a global problem happening now. There are more slaves in the world currently than at the height of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The true number of people who are experiencing the trauma of modern slavery is unknown, but the Global Slavery Index estimates 40 million people worldwide and 136,000 people in the United Kingdom. This includes members of our own communities and parishes.

"People experiencing modern slavery and trafficking should rightly see our churches and social outreach as places of sanctuary and refuge. It is important, therefore, to ensure that all members of the church, clergy, parishioners, staff and volunteers are aware of the signs to look out for and how they can help survivors find protection and support.

"This statement is another important step towards our commitment to tackle modern slavery within the diocese."

LINK

Caritas Salford - www.caritassalford.org.uk