The Catholic response to modern slavery
A history of anti-slavery action
ACAN participating entities are united in the belief that action against modern slavery is fundamental Catholic Social Teaching. Pope Francis has called modern slavery “a crime against humanity.” He has pledged with other global religious leaders to rid the world of this affront to human dignity and human freedom.
The Catholic Church has a history of anti-slavery action from working to end Transatlantic slavery to supporting people impacted by modern slavery and by tackling its root causes.
Catholic anti-slavery initiatives focused on prevention, support and systemic drivers are delivered across the world every day by clergy, lay Catholics, parishes and large organisations such as Caritas, the International Catholic Migration Commission and the Order of Malta.
Modern slavery and human trafficking are a priority at The Vatican as evidenced by the Santa Marta Group and Pope Francis’ regular engagement on the issue via his videos.
Patron Saint
Saint Josephine Bakhita
Click on the image to download a copy of the Saint Bakhita prayer
The 8th of February is the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita – the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
On this day Catholics are encouraged to pray for all those affected by the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking, and the people that volunteer and work to eradicate this crime.
PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
We pray for the victims of human trafficking that they may be brought to freedom and rebuild their lives after the traumatic experiences they have suffered.
We pray that St Josephine Bakhita, sold into slavery as a child, intercedes with God for those trapped in a state of slavery, so that they will be released from the shackles of captivity.
We pray for all those who are dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking that they will have the courage and strength to reach out and overcome challenges.
We pray that by our actions as consumers we always reject as gravely wrong any goods or services tainted with slavery.
We pray for our governments that their laws will protect victims of human trafficking and reject goods and services from sources associated with slavery and forced labour.
We pray that the Church will continue to defend and free victims of human trafficking and be a source of love, hope and faith to bring the vulnerable and enslaved to find healing for their wounds. Amen.
St Josephine Bakhita, Patron Saint of Slavery Victims, Pray for Us.
ACAN Annual Report 2020
ACAN's first Annual Report published on United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - 30 July 2020. The core of the Report is the Modern Slavery Risk Management Program being implemented across Catholic entities.
Progress to end modern slavery
In 2019 the AntiSlavery Taskforce launched the first ever Progress report about how Australian Catholic entities are managing modern slavery risk in their operations and supply chains.
Anti-slavery Conference
A groundbreaking conference held in Sydney in July 2019 and attended by over 100 people representing 45 Catholic entities to discuss practical steps to end modern slavery.
Modern Slavery Acts
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and other Catholic organisations lobbied to support the introduction of the Commonwealth and NSW Modern Slavery Acts.
Working together
ACAN Participants
Catholic schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, universities, community services, investment and finance are just some of the Catholic institutions that touch the lives of millions of Australians. 1 in 5 Australian children are educated in Catholic schools (approximately 800,000) and 1 in 10 hospital patients and aged care residents receive care in Catholic facilities.
The extent of the supply chains is therefore highly significant and constitutes the major exposure to modern slavery for Catholic entities in Australia.
The Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN) brings together Catholic entities to leverage their collective purchasing spend, share resources and coordinate action to manage modern slavery risk across their industry sectors.
Strong national support
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President
ACAN has been endorsed by the Most Rev Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference .
In a message to Network participants, the Archbishop Coleridge said:
“The formation of the Australian Catholic Antislavery Network (ACAN) is a major achievement within the Church in Australia and far beyond. ACAN has done much in a short time, working to ensure a high level of cooperation and coordination among Australian Catholic entities in dioceses, as well as education, health and aged care, welfare, finance and investment in response to the Modern Slavery Act.
Catholic entities participating in ACAN are strongly positioned to respond effectively to the statutory requirements in the Modern Slavery Act with a comprehensive risk management program. The Modern Slavery Statements of Catholic entities will also form a compendium of Catholic principles and action for the advancement of human dignity and the common good.
Australia can be a leading force in the Catholic world in seeking to eradicate modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour. That is the purpose of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7, which was inspired by Pope Francis.”
The full message can be accessed here.
“Australia can be a leading force in the Catholic world in seeking to eradicate modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour. “
- Most Rev Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane, President, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. April 2020
Our mission
Eliminate modern slavery in all its forms from the operations and supply chains of Catholic entities in Australia.
Our values
Respect and protect the Life and Dignity of workers trapped in modern slavery everywhere.
Work towards the Common Good and actively collaborate with all relevant Government, business and community sectors.
Be open, respectful and inclusive with other entities and share learnings and resources which supports the delivery of our Mission.
What People Are Saying
“Catholic Education WA is delighted to be part of this important collaborative effort to work proactively as a Catholic community towards a world in which slavery will be truly confined to history.”
— Strategy and Risk Officer, Catholic Education Western Australia Ltd
“ACAN have demonstrated outstanding leadership through an inclusive, practical and time sensitive approach and this aligns with ACU’s strategic priority to address modern slavery.”
— Procurement Manager, Australian Catholic University
“In addition to the hospitality, healing, and respect we show every day to our patients, clients and residents, it is our duty to do everything possible to uncover and eliminate the risk of slavery in the business side of health services. I’m really excited to be part of ACAN.”
— National Procurement Manager Clinical,
Calvary Healthcare
