Moral imperatives: Faith-Based approaches to human trafficking

Abstract

Today institutionalized religious groups and private non-profits founded by individuals motivated by their faith are at the forefront of the non-governmental movement to eliminate modern slavery. While faith-based advocacy and action are by no means limited to Christian individuals or organizations, Christians have played a key role in shaping how the U.S. has responded. First, we frame the conversation by defining human trafficking using both the understandings of U.S. federal statutes and established international law as well as employing a practical definition used by networks doing anti-slavery work on the ground. We examine the justification for identifying human trafficking as modern slavery and delineate its scope today, positioning it in the globalized context. Then we will examine both the history out of which U.S. Christian faith-based responses grew and the more recent efforts, whereby evangelical Christian organizations and the partnerships that coalesced around the issue were able to influence the narrative and shape current federal legislation. This chapter looks at the current state of anti-trafficking policy and work presently underway. We examine the evangelical moral crusade and its crusaders: those whose focus is primarily to address sex trafficking as well as those evangelicals whose approach is grounded in an understanding of the free market. We turn to the perspective of other faith-based organizations seeking to ground the work in an explicitly human–rights based approach, including a few case studies. Finally the chapter looks at trends and questions emerging to combat slavery. Effective responses must evolve in order to address this complex human rights violation. This chapter presents a nuanced picture that serves as a benchmark for developing a comprehensive and effective approach that matches the strengths of the faith-based community with secular organizations.