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Anti-Slavery Day this Saturday (18 October), offers people of all faiths and none an important opportunity to consider and explore what they can do to eliminate modern slavery in their communities. Modern slavery is taking place across our Diocese but is often a 'hidden crime", and can be complex and difficult to identify.

Last year, The United Nations International Labour Organisation estimated that the global profit from Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery was £185 billion, making it the second most profitable criminal enterprise in the world, after the illegal arms trade. Working in ecumenical partnership with The Diocese of Chichester, our Diocese supports a team of volunteer Anti-Slavery Ambassadors aiming to combat modern slavery by raising awareness of the crime across diocesan church communities.

As Sussex Police highlight, there is no ‘typical’ victim, with those subjected to the crime of modern slavery "men, women and children of all ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds [including UK citizens] who are forced into [slavery] through the use or threat of violence, deception or coercion."

There is an opportunity to find out more about fighting Modern Slavery this Saturday at St John the Evangelist Church, Brighton (11.30am-1pm), with Anti-Slavery Ambassadors joining representatives from the Mother's Union, The Clewer Initiative and Sussex Police for a programme of talks, prayer, and awareness raising.

There is no need to book, all are very welcome. To find out more about fighting slavery in our Diocese, click here and visit our Fighting Slavery webpage.