On Wednesday afternoon, the Bishop of London attended the Modern Slavery Awareness Conference in St Mellitus College alongside members of local churches and curates. This consisted of practical awareness training with a range of experts.

As the day concluded, the Bishop of London spoke of the Christian Call to respond and tackle modern slavery in the city:

“When we hear the word slavery, many of us think of something from the past, a tragic chapter of history that has long since closed. But as we have heard today, slavery is not a historic evil. It is very much alive in our city, the city that we share and serve in.”

“It is hidden in plain sight, in supply chains, in forced labour, in sexual exploitation, and in the quiet suffering of those denied freedom and dignity. And as we have been reminded again today, London remains a hotspot for modern slavery and trafficking in our country.”

“It appears across many sectors: hospitality and catering, construction, domestic work, car washes and nail salons, farming and agriculture, and through child criminal exploitation such as county lines drug supply. These are not rare or isolated incidents but recurring patterns that exist within everyday businesses and neighbourhoods, the very neighbourhoods where we live, work and witness.”

“Thank you for being here today, and for taking the call to act on modern slavery seriously as part of your ministry.”

“Tackling modern slavery is something that the Church of England should, and does, take seriously. During Anti-Slavery Week, and on International Anti-Slavery Day this Sunday 18th October we join with sisters and brothers across the Anglican Communion who will be standing and praying with us.”

“The Clewer Initiative, of which I am privileged to be a patron, and from whom you have heard today, has created excellent resources for parish use. Please do make use of them, to reflect and to act, both this week and throughout the year.”

The compulsion of the Gospel to act

“Modern slavery is, at its heart, an assault on the image of God. When someone is bought or sold, when their labour is exploited, it is not only a human crime but a spiritual desecration. Genesis tells us that every person is made in the image of God. Every life has infinite worth. No one can be treated as a commodity or an object. To ignore such suffering is to ignore the presence of Christ Himself.”

“As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” As followers of Jesus, we cannot turn away. The Gospel compels us to see, to speak, and to act.”

“We seek liberation for others because God Himself is a liberator. When He heard the cries of His people in Egypt, God said to Moses, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people… I have heard them crying out… and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.” (Exodus 3:7–8)”

“Liberation is not merely a political idea; it is at the heart of God’s character. Every act of redemption in Scripture, from the Exodus to the Cross, declares that God’s will for humanity is freedom. The mission of Christ is a mission of freedom, not only freedom from sin, but freedom from every system and structure that diminishes the image of God in human beings.”

“We are therefore called, as the Church, to reflect that freedom and to seek it for all; to be a community that embodies compassion and liberation. We are called to stand alongside the oppressed, to confront modern slavery in our communities, and to challenge systems that profit from human exploitation.”

We all have our part to play

“The projects we have heard from today, Beloved in Ealing working with those trafficked for sex, the work of SAMS across the Diocese of Southwark raising awareness, and the Hope at Home hosting scheme offering survivors of modern slavery places of refuge, are examples to us all.”

“They are inspiring witnesses to the love of God in Christ, made visible in our city. They speak of our Gospel witness and our community of liberation. Yet we can all play our part.”

“For some, this may mean being attentive in parish ministry, aware of the signs that someone might be trapped in modern slavery and knowing how to respond. For others, it may mean educating and raising awareness among those you serve alongside. For some, it may even be a call to help survivors rebuild their lives.”

“For all of us, it is a call to pray, not as an act of avoidance, but as an act of power, praying for freedom, healing, and courage to act. The fact that you are here today, giving your time to learn and to listen, is a sign of hope. It is a sign that, as the Church, we are prepared to play our part in tackling modern slavery. And for that, I give thanks.”

An act of hope, grounded in Christ

“Finally, we remember that our work for justice flows from our hope in Christ and in His resurrection. Today we have heard of much evil, the evil of human systems that enslave others for profit and power. We know that evil is real and powerful, but it is not ultimate. Christ has triumphed over sin and death, and He is making all things new.”

“Every act that restores freedom, every person who is rescued, every chain that is broken, these are signs of the coming Kingdom, where there will be no more slavery, no more tears, and no more oppression. Revelation 21 reminds us of God’s promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes… for the old order of things has passed away.”

Closing thanks

“Thank you for all that you do in your communities to serve. Thank you for taking this time to pause, to face what is evil, to allow discomfort to move you to action. And thank you for the hope that you bring, hope that restores freedom, and in doing so, reveals the Kingdom of God among us.”

Closing prayer

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father,

may we be people who hear the cries that you hear.

Grant us the courage, compassion, and conviction to act.

And may the God who set His people free in Egypt, and raised his Son from the grave, empower us to be agents of His freedom today.

Amen.