Anti-Trafficking Work of Religious Congregations

The involvement of Catholic Religious Congregations in anti-trafficking work has been highlighted in a report by the Arise Foundation recently launched in London. The research shows that Religious Congregations have not allowed their changing demographic to prevent them from contributing in important ways to the antislavery movement. During the launch of the study Sr Jane Maltby RSCJ said:

“It cannot be ignored that the contribution outlined in this report is overwhelmingly female. This may reflect the fact that, until recently, the issue was framed almost in terms of human traffcking, which for many reasons has been understood as a problem predominantly affecting women. Finally, going beyond numbers and statistics, it is abundantly evident from the different categories of giving: in terms of human resources, property and money, that the commitment of religious is long-term, is inspired by traditions of service to those in need, and is an integral part of their spirituality. There is an important section in the report which I recommend that you read which speaks about the intangible aspects of anti-slavery accompaniment. Aspects like love and trust which are so critical to this work, and yet feature so rarely in policy conversations on this subject. Love and trust takes time to build and to make manifest. It is the core strength of the work of religious in this area.”

A link to the full report can be found here.