Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry has issued the following statement on Human Trafficking.

As we observe National Human Trafficking Awareness Month 2018, it is important that we recognize trafficking in persons is a crime that goes against the most basic tenets of our faith. It is also, unfortunately, all too common and puts millions in danger every day.

Human trafficking manifests itself in a variety of ways and in a variety of industries from personal servitude to agriculture to hotels and hospitality or to commercial sex work. But what we know for sure is that in order for this crime to occur, perpetrators must devalue and dehumanize another person. 

We must be clear that all human beings are made in God’s image and each deserves a life free from violence or threat of violence, exploitation, and coercion. We must also condemn structures and systems that make it all too easy for such evil to occur.

I commend the work of dioceses, congregations, and individuals across our Church and the Anglican Communion who are partnering to build awareness, support survivors, and protect against human trafficking. I urge all who follow Jesus to commit to further developing loving, liberating, and life-giving relationships with God and one another.

Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry
The Episcopal Church

The Office of Government Relations encourages Episcopalians to take action to fight human trafficking through the Episcopal Public Policy Network here. The Action Alert on human trafficking encourages Congress to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). Write Congress here.

Additional information on advocacy and other ways to combat human trafficking is here.