Human Trafficking Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking February 8 th 2015

Human Trafficking Day of Prayer The Vatican has organized the first- ever international day of prayer and reflection against human trafficking, in hopes that the world will join forces in putting this “plague” to an end. “Our awareness must expand and extend to the very depths of this evil and its farthest reaches – from awareness to prayer, from prayer to solidarity, and from solidarity to concerted action – until slavery and trafficking are no more…”

Pope Francis has stated “Human Trafficking is a crime against humanity.” “It’s a disgrace” that people are treated “as objects, deceived, raped, often sold many times for different purposes and, in the end, killed or, in any case, physically and mentally damaged, ending up thrown away and abandoned,” he said. To commemorate the day, the Vatican released a statement that states that “the primary objective of the International Day is to create greater awareness on this phenomenon and to reflect on the overall situation of violence and injustice that affect so many people who have no voice, do not count and are no one: they are simply slaves.

Francis and others launch initiative to 'eradicate modern slavery ' In December 2014 in the Vatican Pope Francis called together world faith leaders to sign a Declaration against Human Trafficking/Slavery The signing of the Faith Leaders’ Universal Declaration against Slavery is a historic initiative, working together to end a global tragedy by 2020, gathering combined represented congregations of followers and supporters of over half the world’s population.

Faith Leaders’ Universal Declaration Against Slavery, Vatican City, December 2014 “We, the undersigned, are gathered here today for a historic initiative to inspire spiritual and practical action by all global faiths and people of good will everywhere to eradicate modern slavery across the world by 2020 and for all time,” the declaration read. Modern slavery, in terms of “...human trafficking, forced labour and prostitution, organ trafficking, and any relationship that fails to respect the fundamental conviction that all people are equal and have the same freedom and dignity is a crime against humanity.”

Truly I say to you, whatever you did to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did also to me. Matthew 25:31-46

Prayers of Intercession 1 We pray for women who are estimated to make up 80% of human trafficking victims, and for changes in societal attitudes that deny the equality and dignity of women Response: Loosen the chains... they are heavy 2 We pray for those forced to become soldiers, especially children urged to violence. R: Loosen the chains... they are heavy 3 We pray for those in bonded labor, in agriculture, mines, factories, construction, restaurants, private homes, or anywhere in the shadows, where they are out of sight. R: Loosen the chains... they are heavy 4 We pray for young girls and women exploited and objectified in forced marriages and in the sex trade. R: Loosen the chains... they are heavy 5 We pray for those who cannot return home due to the stigma of prostitution, disease or shame, that they receive the solace, healing and support they need. R: Loosen the chains... they are heavy

“He has sent me... to proclaim freedom for the captives...” Isaiah 61: 1 Prayer Response: We come as a people of hope. Leader: For victims of trafficking in our own local communities. May we have eyes to see and act to make our communities slave free. Prayer Response: We come as a people of hope. Leader: We believe in hope that working together as a community we can end human trafficking. Prayer Response: We come as a people of hope. Leader: We are strengthened by what we have learned and we commit to act on behalf of the dignity of all persons. Prayer Response: We come as a people of hope.

Concluding Prayer O God, give us wisdom and courage to reach out and stand with those whose bodies, hearts, and spirits have been wounded, so that together we may make real your promises to fill these sisters and brothers with a love that is tender and good. Send the exploiters away empty-handed to be converted from this wickedness, and help us all to claim the freedom that is your gift to your children. Amen.