Today we welcome back Rev. Mo Surrey who has kindly agreed to be the guest writer for our Challenging and Spiritual questions this month.
We’ve all heard the term “modern day slavery” but what does it actually mean? Human trafficking means that someone is moved by force, fraud, coercion or deception to be exploited. It can include forced labour, being made to commit crimes, being forced into marriage or prostitution or any other form of working which the person involved may not want to do. The victims are made to do things against their will under the threat of a penalty and maybe even a death threat against themselves or a family member.
Horrendously, some people are even trafficked so their internal organs can be sold.
Debt bondage is a form of forced labour and happens when the victim is forced to pay off a debt . They are tricked into working for little or no pay with no control over their debt. This is thought to be the most widespread form of slavery today. It can result in criminal exploitation where the victims are forced into carrying drugs, begging, theft ,fraud, etc. Similarly, it can also lead to sexual exploitation where victims are forced to become involved in sexual activity with strangers.
Many people would not know what signs to look out for to assess if someone has been trafficked. Things to observe include the victim rarely being allowed to travel on their own; they appear to be under the control of another person; they tend not to have contact with other people; they have relationships which don’t seem right such as a young teenager appearing to be the partner of an older adult; they often don’t have documents, eg a passport, identity papers, etc.; they have few personal possessions; they wear the same clothes every day.
Other signs to look out for can include they avoid eye contact; appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers; they fear law enforcers or deportation; unsure of who to trust or where to get help; there may be physical or psychological abuse including malnourishment; living in poor conditions; they have unusual travel arrangements especially going out very early in the mornings or coming back very late at night. These signs can also be relevant for children.
Mo – How do you think, as Christians, we should approach the subject of human trafficking into the UK? We all know the pressures that our local authorities and public services are under, particularly the long NHS waiting lists. What do you think God would want us to do and how do you suggest we can help these people?
Also, the gangmasters and criminals who control the flow of illegal immigrants into the UK and force them to work in situations as described above are making millions of pounds each year from other people’s misery. As a gracious God, do you think He can forgive them their involvement in this evil trade?
Photo – Pixabay.com
Rev. Mo’s response:
Thank you for your questions, Carol, and I think I would like to respond to several points you make but in a different order.
- First and foremost Christians believe that all forms of slavery is wrong. As Christians we should be committed to the worth and dignity of ALL human beings who are made in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus’ death and resurrection (explained a little more below).
Christians have been, and always should be, actively concerned when people ‘are demeaned, abused, depersonalised, enslaved or subjected to demonic forces in the world, whether by individuals or institutions’ (Free Methodist UK handbook)
- Human trafficking is exploitation of people who are desperate and vulnerable. You ask if God can forgive them? God can forgive any sin where repentance is real. Repentance is a painful recognition of the wrong that has been done and is not just remorse but the word repent means to turn around from that sin. One of our most well-known hymns, ‘Amazing Grace’, was written by John Newton, a slave trader in the 18th century. He was converted as he cried out to God when he was nearly shipwrecked and went on to be ordained in the Church of England. The profound experience of God’s grace and mercy led him to be a chief abolitionist.
The message of the hymn is that there is forgiveness and redemption no matter how bad the sin can be. The word “redeemed” is a term used in slavery. To redeem means to be bought at a price. ALL sin, however ‘big or small’, led to the Lord Jesus taking the punishment on the cross. He has paid the cost, the price of sin, so that we all may be set free. That is the amazing grace of God.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
- The term ‘illegal immigrant’ makes it easy for us to depersonalise people. ‘Illegal’ = wrongdoing! While there are a few who come to take advantage of benefit systems and maybe very few for evil purposes, I believe these are in a minority.
The majority may be seeking a better life for their families (which is why there are more men travelling alone) and who can blame them? They may be wanting to work. There are many places in this country that are lacking a workforce because no-one else will take on those lower-paid jobs such as crop picking. Ask the farmers in Lincolnshire for example! And even the NHS has suffered with the tightening of the immigration laws – as I found when I worked as a hospital chaplain.
Others are genuine refugees fleeing from war, poverty, persecution and starvation. They are vulnerable and desperate and therefore easy victims and prey for traffickers but are people with life stories and often taking enormous risks to find a place of safety.
You ask what would God want us to do? A good question. Can we look at each person, with all the blessings that we have and then turn them away? Jesus told us to feed the poor and hungry, to bring healing to the sick and to set the captives free.
SIGNPOST ORGANISATIONS
If you suspect that somebody might be suffering from modern day slavery please report it to one of the following:
Police – ring 999 if there’s an immediate concerning situation or 101.
Modern Slavery Helpline – Tel: 08000 121700 www.modernslavery.gov.uk
Child Trafficking Advice Centre – Tel: 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
Missing People Helpline – Tel or text 116000 or email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk
Victim Support – Tel: 0800 0121700 www.victimsupport.org.uk
Salvation Army Helpline – Tel: 0800 808 3733 www.salvationarmy.org.uk
Refugee Council – Tel: 0808 1967272.
Migrant Help – Tel: 0808 8010503 – info@migranthelpuk.org
Previous Questions
How can God forgive Terrorist?
How would God view outside intervention?
Explore to Inspire 