Human trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor: a modern-day form of slavery. It is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, and the third largest, after the drug and illegal arms trades. Today, as many as 50 million people around the world are living in slavery, more than at any time during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. And human trafficking doesn't just happen overseas; it happens right here in the United States as well.
What does The United Methodist Church say?
"We condemn human trafficking and slavery as profound violations of the inherent dignity and worth of every person and of their fundamental rights...We understand slavery to be a repudiation of the basic Christian understanding that all people are created in the image of God." (UM Social Principles 2025-2028, Economic Community, Economic Challenges)
“We call on United Methodists … to actively champion anti-slavery efforts by petitioning the United Nations and the legislative bodies of all countries in which The United Methodist Church has an organized ecclesiastical structure, to demand the freeing of all persons subjected to modern-day forms of enslavement and bonded labor.” (Book of Resolutions, 6032)
What can your Church do?
- Set aside the second Sunday in January as 'Human Trafficking Awareness Day.'
- Human Trafficking Faith & Facts Card (click here) - Educate yourself and your congregation using this Human Trafficking Toolkit
- Learn about child and teen trafficking using the No Child For Sale webinar series from Gracehaven
- Publicize the human trafficking hotline (1-888-373-7888).
- Visit Slavery Footprint to find out your connections to slavery and to learn what concrete changes you can make in your life and in the life of your congregation.
- Work within your community to end factors that create vulnerability: poverty, racism, sexism and gender-based violence, and media and cultural images that promote the objectification of women.
Resources
West Ohio Conference Human Trafficking Resolution
Human Trafficking in America's Schools
Interfaith Resources and Websites - A compilation of organizations, website and official statements of faith and secular organizations addressing human trafficking and domestic violence.