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 dignity of workers impacted by modern slavery everywhere.
Work towards the Common Good and actively collaborate with survivors, governments, business and communities.
A commitment to supportive, respectful and ethical practices.
Endorsements
“The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference endorses the 2023 Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements from Catholic entities across Australia. The 2023 Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements serves as a vital resource that tangibly expresses our collective moral and civic commitment to the Modern Slavery Act (2018). The 2023 Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements reiterates the commitment of each Catholic entity to proactively respecting and upholding the infinite dignity of every human being, a principle that compels each of us to stand resolutely against all forms of modern slavery and human exploitation. We openly embrace the call to upholding the dignity of every person as we recommit ourselves to being bearers of God’s love and justice in the world through the communities we serve across our nation.”
Archbishop Peter Costelloe, President – Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
“(AMPJP) brings together the MPJPs who sponsor some of Australia’s major Catholic health, aged and community care, and educational organisations. MPJP ministries wish to ensure they are not directly or indirectly contributing to modern slavery. AMPJP commends the Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network (ACAN) as a vital partner in informing and supporting MPJP Canonical Stewards and the ministries they sponsor in their missional role of addressing modern slavery.”
Martin Teulan, Executive Director - Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons
“Catholic schools serve as both centres of faith and learning, fostering in our students a respect for the human dignity of all people. Education is a powerful tool in promoting social justice and equity, and this Compendium demonstrates our shared commitment and strong engagement in our schools and dioceses towards these important principles.”
Jacinta Collins, Executive Director – National Catholic Education Commission
"As a Catholic health and aged care peak body, we are deeply committed to the sanctity of every human life and the dignity of every individual. This Compendium highlights our collective efforts across the nation to ensure that our health care operations and supply chains are sustainable. We continue to lead with faith and compassion, striving to set a benchmark for integrity and responsibility in all aspects of health and aged care."
Jason Kara, Chief Executive Officer - Catholic Health Australia
“Catholic Social Services Australia is committed to building a fair and inclusive society in Australia, one that upholds the dignity and equality of everyone, including those involved in our operations and supply chains. This Compendium highlights the ongoing efforts of our members to recognise and empower the vulnerable people who enable our work on the ground.”
Monique Earsman, Executive Director - Catholic Social Services Australia
