Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 29:1 (Mar 2020)
Article: Human Trafficking And The Church: Towards A Biblical And Practical Christian Response
Author: Marieke Venter

Conspectus 29:1 (March 2020) p. 61

Human Trafficking And The Church: Towards A Biblical And Practical Christian Response1

Marieke Venter

and

Willem Semmelink2

Abstract

How should Christians respond to the ever-growing international crime of human trafficking? This study seeks for an answer by holding up the current situation to the light of the mission of Jesus as expressed in Luke 4:16–21, and formulating the outline of a practical, workable model of response. It explores the international and South African situation surrounding modern-day slavery and human trafficking3from a Salvation Army perspective by consulting several expert studies, illustrating this reality by telling the stories of five women who were trafficked. Using the mission statement of Jesus as a basis for Christian love in action and building on the unique strengths of the Church, this study suggests requirements and key areas for a response by which the Church as a whole, as well as individual congregations and Christians may have a positive impact as part of a modern abolition movement.

Keywords

human trafficking; Luke 4:16–21; modern-day slavery; abolition.

Conspectus 29:1 (March 2020) p. 62

1. Introduction

Maria: She stands on a street corner, scantily dressed on a cold Johannesburg winter evening. Her eyes scan the passing traffic and she is not keen to engage in conversation, although she seems grateful for the hot cup of coffee offered to her by a street worker. Maria is a commercial sex worker in the South of Johannesburg. She has a pimp and lives in a brothel. She was offered a job in Johannesburg via a niece, and travelled to Johannesburg alone, against the advice of her parents. Once in the city, she discovered that the nature of the ‘job’ was prostitution. She cannot leave because she does not have enough money to pay the fare home, and because she is addicted to drugs and needs the daily ‘fix’ they provide.

Sophie: They are usually huddled together on the pavement that forms an island in the busy road. The older woman is always accompanied by two small children. On Sunday mornings they make their way into the church for worship. The children lead the blind woman to a vacant seat near the front. Just before the conclusion of the service they leave quietly and return to their assigned task for the day—begging on the street corner. Sophie is one of many beggars on th...