WHERE 11 MILLION SLAVES EXIST WHILE THE WORLD LOOKS AWAY

Anglicans met in the Diocese of Durgapur in north India for a conference aimed at tackling human trafficking and slavery. The conference was organized by the diocese in conjunction with the missionary organization United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG).

The Diocese of Durgapur has been praised for its long running anti trafficking program, which is operated in partnership with USPG. The conference drew around 50 participants from different countries, professions, and backgrounds across the Anglican Communion worldwide.

Nearly 50 million people around the world are living in a form of modern slavery. Of these, 11 million are estimated to live in India, making the country the slavery capital of the world. Criminal profits generated from forced labor are estimated to be around $236 billion per year across the globe.

Reverend Canon Peniel Rajkumar, global theologian and director of global mission at USPG, stated

"These are not distant statistics: they are real people created in God's image, with inherent worth, dignity, and value, regardless of status or circumstance. Because of this, the Church cannot remain passive."

Rajkumar continued, "As Christians, we are called to respond: to 'let the oppressed go free' (Isaiah 58:6), to 'seek justice, rescue the oppressed' (Isaiah 1:17), and to proclaim 'freedom for the captives' (Luke 4:18)."

Delegates participated in a field visit to Durgapur's anti trafficking program and met with those who operate it to gain insights into how to defeat modern slavery.

The Right Reverend Sameer Isaac Khimla, bishop of Durgapur, said, "Human trafficking continues to be one of the darkest realities of our time, affecting millions, stripping individuals of their identity, freedom, and hope. As a Church and as a community rooted in faith and compassion, we cannot stand by in silence."

THE CRUSADER'S OPINION

Eleven million slaves in India.

Not in history books.

Now.

More slaves in India than the entire population of many countries.

$236 billion in profits from forced labor every year.

While tech companies celebrate India's growth, millions are trapped in bondage.

The Anglican Church in Durgapur is fighting this darkness.

Fifty delegates from around the world gathering to combat slavery.

This is what the Church is called to do.

Not endless conferences on pronouns and climate.

Real evil requires real courage.

The Church cannot remain passive.

TAKE ACTION

1. United Society Partners in the Gospel: Support anti trafficking work in India at www.uspg.org.uk or email info@uspg.org.uk.

2. International Justice Mission: Fund efforts to rescue slaves and prosecute traffickers at www.ijm.org or call +1 (703) 465-5495.

3. Diocese of Durgapur: Contact the diocese to learn how to support their anti trafficking program directly. Share their work on social media.

4. Raise awareness: Post this article with #ModernSlavery #IndiaTrafficking to expose the 11 million slaves the world ignores.

5. A21 Campaign: Support global anti trafficking operations at www.a21.org or email info@a21.org.

6. Contact your representatives: Demand they pressure India to enforce anti slavery laws and prosecute traffickers. Reference the 11 million enslaved people.