Human trafficking
Human trafficking is a grave human rights violation. An estimated 20 to 40 million people are victims of modern slavery, including children, women, and men.
Working together to eradicate modern slavery
Human trafficking usually involves moving someone to another location against their will to be exploited in some way. Such exploitation occurs through forced labor, marriage, prostitution, and even organ removal. It is estimated that somewhere between 20 million and 40 million people are victims of modern slavery, including children, women, and men.
Help stop human trafficking
The vast majority of survivors do not report their experience. It is estimated that of the $150 billion dollars earned from trafficking, $99 billion derives from sexual exploitation. Across the world, about 71% of enslaved persons are women and girls while 29% are men and boys.
Estimates indicated that about 50,000 people are smuggled or trafficked into the US, chiefly from Mexico and the Philippines. In 2018, over half of the criminal cases involving human trafficking in the US were sexually exploitation of only children.
Traffickers recruit heavily through social media, and many children being trafficked were in the foster care system at some point. California, Texas, and Florida have the highest incidences of human trafficking in the US. (Statistics provided by www.dosomething.org)
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Why do we need Political Theology?
Progressive Christians remain relatively quiet in the public square, even though the federal constitution protects our speech. Compared to more traditional corners of Christ’s vineyard, we fail to respond and assert our theology. The reasons for this are varied, yet we need to express our theology clearly and proactively whenever and wherever possible.
Christ calls us to work for social justice, just as he did. We interpret the Gospel as inclusive and compassionate. As a result, we must respect others especially when they differ from us or need our help. Our theology of radical hospitality welcomes and respects all people. Therefore, we have a duty, if we call ourselves Christians, to spread the Good News of love, peace, and compassion. Political Theology is essential today, perhaps now more than other. It cuts through the divisiveness with a message of love and hope.
Framing our theological discussions
Unfortunately, we usually react to an opposing theological understanding. Instead, we must frame our theological discussions. For example, Jesus told Peter to “Feed my sheep, feed my lambs, feed my sheep,” after Jesus rose from the grave. What does feeding Christ’s lambs and sheep look like today?
Caging children and infants fails to feed or nourish them. Detaining refugees indefinitely does not constitute caring for them. Consequently, when we engage in political theology, we offer the public another viewpoint to consider. It is not about getting into big arguments with opponents, because the foundation of a democracy is a free exchange of ideas.