800,000 people are caught in this modern day form of slavery every year – and up to 50,000 are moved annually into the United States. Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world and is closely tied to the international arms trade. Women and children are the most common victims.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services Department helps survivors, trains volunteers, provides awareness, education and advocacy. For information on how to assist victims and combat this horrendous crime, phone (202) 541-3357, or visit: http://www.usccb.org/mrs/trafficking/usccbresponse.shtml
What does Catholic Social Teaching say?
"Slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children and disgraceful working conditions, where people are treated as mere instruments of gain . . . poison human society . . . and debase their perpetrators." (Gaudium et Spes, The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Paragraph #27)
What can you do? It looks like our prayers and financial support to Catholic Charities USA are the best immediate action to take for the average parishioner. For direct involvement, contact your local Catholic Charities office, found through the main website of Catholic Charities USA.
No comments:
Post a Comment