Human trafficking, both for labor and sex, is among the largest and fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the world. Labor trafficking dominates much of the world economy, and accounts for upwards of two-thirds of the estimated 27 million people enslaved today. Sex trafficking, the more common form in the United States, depends on the willingness of men to pay for sex, and all too often from minors.
A National Weekend of Prayer to End Slavery and Trafficking is Jan. 11-13. Leaders for this weekend are asking clergy and congregations to participate. To sign up, visit www.weekendofprayer.net.
Schedule for the weekend follows:
Jan: 11: Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Noon: individual or group prayers. Evening: Prayer rallies in many cities. Webcasts of prayer gatherings will be streamed online.
Jan. 12: Nationwide prayer conference call to end modern-day slavery: http://prayersurgenow.blogspot.com.
Jan: 13: Prayers of thousands of congregations. Clergy may choose to dedicate their sermons to the issue of human trafficking. Offerings may be dedicated to a local or national anti-human trafficking organization or restoration shelter.
For more information, please contact the Diocese of Davenport’s Social Action Office at (563) 888-4210.
