The 2019 Diocese of London Lent Appeal focussed on Modern Slavery. It built on the work of the Clewer Initiative, part of the national church’s approach to eradicating Modern Slavery which was launched by Archbishop Justin in October 2017.

As Bishop Sarah explained:

There are at least 40 million victims of modern day slavery in the world today, and tens of thousands in the UK. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, in a capital city heralded for its history and culture, modern slavery is thriving. Thousands are forced into domestic servitude, forced labour or sexual exploitation in plain sight of Londoners, and many more are at risk of falling through the cracks, hidden from the view of the authorities, charities and the church. Behind those statistics there are real people. Whether it be a woman or girl trafficked to work in the illegal sex trade, a man forced to work on a construction site or a child married against their will, none are free.

Micah tells us that “he has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This may be the best-known passage from the book of Micah – it is full of words and phrases that occur throughout scripture: justice, love, kindness, a walk with God. We should bear this in mind, that life can be safely travelled only if it is made “with God.”

THE BENEFICIARY CHARITIES HIGHLIGHTED THROUGH THE APPEAL

• Ella’s Home Working with women in London trafficked for Sexual Exploitation
• Kalayaan Supporting migrant domestic workers in London who have been subjected to forced labour or have been trafficked to the UK for domestic servitude
• Love 146 Supporting trafficked young people in London
• Rise Project Project of The Children’s Society Support for boys and young men aged 11-17 in London who have been trafficked
• Tamar Working with women in Westminster trafficked for Sexual Exploitation

Lent Appeal Event Plenary Talks 30.01.19

RECENT BLOGS

SUPPORTING POLISH AND ROMANIAN VICTIMS OF MODERN SLAVERY

For many of us, “slavery” brings to mind ancient or colonial times. We rarely realise that slavery still thrives today and that human trafficking is one of the most profitable crimes in the world.

EXPLOITATION IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN

On a chilly morning in January, The Clewer Initiative team set out on an unusual expedition: we went to visit a potato farm!