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Human Trafficking and the Church: Towards a Biblical and Practical Christian Response
Abstract
How should Christians respond to the ever-growing international crime of human trafficking? This study seeks for an answer by holding up the current situation to the light of the mission of Jesus as expressed in Luke 4:16–21, and formulating the outline of a practical, workable model of response. It explores the international and South African situation surrounding modern-day slavery and human trafficking from a Salvation Army perspective by consulting several expert studies, illustrating this reality by telling the stories of five women who were trafficked. Using the mission statement of Jesus as a basis for Christian love in action and building on the unique strengths of the Church, this study suggests requirements and key areas for a response by which the Church as a whole, as well as individual congregations and Christians may have a positive impact as part of a modern abolition movement.