Human Trafficking...and absurd unworthy distinctions

Human Trafficking is a global issue of great concern - one which The Salvation Army has chosen to target and make a difference. It is good that there seems to be an ever increasing awareness of the problems and injustice connected with Human Trafficking.

Rochelle McAllister writes a great piece in theRubicon - Human Trafficking Exposed. Rootsonline give more information and resources here. I noticed The Salvation Army in Yorkshire puts its foot down on human trafficking . A conversation with my nephew last night about the potential human trafficking scandal connected with the World Cup in Germany - here.

The dichotomy or blindspot that I speak of in terms of mission (more here) would fail to see this involvement as spiritual - I struggle with that and was pleased to discover that Salvation Army 'hero of the faith' George S. Railton writing in 1909 struggles aswell. He talks about the "absurdity of the attempt made by some to draw unworthy distinctions between our Social and Spiritual Work".

Comments

Anonymous said…
Gordon

Great quote there from GSR!

Here in Latvia I'm just starting on a process that should see TSA involved in some anti-trafficking work. Whilst the spiritual nature of the work might not be obvious I see the "proclaim freedom for the prisoners" aspect of Isaiah 61 as essential in this. The situation these women and girls find themselves is not just a physical imprisonment, but also a spiritual one. When they are forced to commit acts that degrade them they are as much under spiritual attack as they are physical, and the spiritual and mental scars are the hardest to heal.

If the church won't get up and say and do something about this, then who else can? We must speak out and more!

I know of at least one situation in the UK TSA where a corps is doing more about this than speaking out and raising awareness. What I know I can't spread yet as I don't know how far things have progressed, but I would guess information will be forthcoming soon!
9:42 AM
Andrew Bale said…
Gordon

You might be interested to know that Railton's passion to halt what he called the "white slave trade" was intense. In the SA's official biography 'Commissioner Railton' his pioneering work in this area is enormous.

I also know that Croydon Citadel have recently done some stirling and practical work in this area with the help of the police (your brother would have more details).

If snatching opressed prostitutes from depraved pimps is mission then like 'R' I'm up for it, however let us remember that there is a distinction between fighting for social justice and providing social care.

Railton was fundamentally opposed to the latter but passsionatel committed to the former.

Yours 'under Christ'

Andrew
2:28 PM
The Smiths said…
Interesting! We've been involved a lot in this work,including setting up the first SA centre for trafficked women in the UK which is just open for business. Could tell you where, but I'd have to kill you!

I see this as part of being authentic in speaking out against a 21st Century evil in our World. Also in terms of using our worldwide network so that when girls are repatriated, we can link them with The SA in their homeland. Hopefully by first being Christ to them here, they will be more open and receptive to His message when they get home.

We'll talk more about it on Sunday I'm sure!

(Graeme - we need to talk!)
3:24 PM
Andrew Bale said…
Just another thought...

The woman caught in adultery (John 8) was probably a prostitute and those who condemned her no doubt among her customers.

Though she was undoubtedly guilty Jesus refused to condemn her.

"Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (verses 10&11)

Note, he doesn't forgive this woman but he refuses to condemn her - did he see her as a victim? He makes it clear that what she is doing is wrong and also makes it clear he expects her to stop but he doesn't condemn her - therefore there is no need for forgiveness.

This is powerful stuff.

Also a free sermon for Easter for anyone struggling for an idea :-)

Yours 'under Christ' Andrew
3:48 PM
Gordon said…
Thanks for the comments! Interestingly Andrew GSR's quote wasn't in the context of justice - unless collecting drunks so that they could sober up in a safe environment constitutes the same kind of justice you have in mind.

Certainly an interesting chap - I think I might find the duff autobiography once I have caught up on some more contemporary reading.

Bible study was helpful - Christ bringing wholeness in all its aspects to that broken life - is another staggering picture in the gospels that makes me gasp - thanks
10:51 AM
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