Australian Christian leaders from across the spectrum of denominations have joined with the heads of other faiths in pledging to do “all in our power” to tackle modern slavery in Australia and around the world.
The move comes a year after global religious leaders – including Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby – made the same pledge at a gathering in Vatican City where the Global Freedom Network, an initiative of Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest, was launched.
Speaking at the launch of the Australian Freedom Network in Canberra on Wednesday – the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Mr Forrest – chairman of the Global Freedom Network, said he applauded the commitment of Australia’s faith leaders to “embed action against slavery in the very fabric of their advocacy”.
The Global Slavery Index – an initiative of the GFN, estimates that there are almost 36 million people living in modern slavery around the world today including an estimated 3,000 people living in Australia.
Salvation Army Eastern Territory Commissioner James Condon said the known cases of slavery in Australia represented “only the tip of the iceberg”. “We must do more to close the gap between the victims we know about and the thousands still enslaved in Australia,” he said. “Faith communities can play a critical role in this and be part of a global movement that prevents slavery in the first place.”
Among others attending the launch this week was Sandra. She told the story of how she came to Australia to take up a job as a domestic worker in Sydney but found herself trapped in slavery instead. Promised a salary and permanent residency, she escaped after three years living without pay and in an increasingly abusive situation.
Sandra told those gathered she shared her story to motivate people to take action against slavery and to encourage people in slavery to seek help. “As a person of faith, I know that faith in action can be a powerful force for good in the world,” she said.
A similar network is being launched in India today.
