Faith for Freedom App Launch

Speech

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB
Archbishop of Perth

Wednesday 24 April, 2024
Minderoo Foundation, Perth

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Good afternoon, everyone. I would like to begin these few remarks with a simple “thank you” for the invitation to join you this afternoon for this very important event.

I would also like to acknowledge the presence of Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy, Rev Peter Abetz, Bishop Hans Christiansen, Fr Abram Abdelmalek and other Church leaders who are present, and indeed all of you gathered here today. I think the willing presence of a number of Church leaders testifies to both the seriousness sf the issues we are speaking about today, and our common recognition that, together, we can make a significant contribution to confronting the many challenges which the scourge of modern slavery presents to us all.

We are here, of course, because of the commitment and energy which the members and staff of the Walk Free/Global Freedom Network, bring to this issue, and the invaluable support of the Minderoo Foundation. I am sure I speak for everyone when I express our thanks and congratulations to Franca Pellegrini for advancing this important initiative of the Faith For Freedom App.

Speaking from my own tradition, I also thank Deacon Greg Lowe and the team from the WA Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, who have done so much to highlight the importance of this issue for our Catholic community.

According to the Global Slavery Index 2023, there are 50 million people worldwide – some 41,000 of whom are in Australia – who live and work in slavery-like conditions. The numbers are staggering and as regards Australia, a terrible indictment on our society. And certainly, and sadly, the Christian Churches in our country are not immune from this problem. As regards my own tradition, the Catholic Church has now recognised that, especially in terms of our procurement policies – our sourcing of goods and services from overseas, we must begin to scrutinise these aspects of our practice much more closely.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, which is a cooperative body designed to foster common action among the Catholic bishops of Australia, continues, through its national and local parishes and organisations, to support the work of the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network in developing practices and policies which are designed to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms from the operations and supply chains of Catholic entities in Australia. We have come to realise that, while precise figures are difficult to ascertain, it is very likely that across the wide network of schools, universities, hospitals and aged care facilities, and other Catholic institutions, we are exposed to an unacceptable risk of unwittingly contributing to the exploitation of many vulnerable people.

This risk area includes medical consumables, building and construction materials, ICT hardware and facilities management. Other potentially high-risk categories include cleaning and security services, uniforms, labour hire and food and beverage supplies.

Here in the Archdiocese of Perth, we are implementing the Parish Modern Slavery Initiative, which really works at two levels: firstly to investigate the parish supply chains, with a particular focus on forced labour; and secondly to provide information and education for our parish communities regarding the reality of modern slavery and in particular the situation of forced marriages.

An important initiative in this regard is the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking of Humans Network which is focused in particular on accompanying victims of forced marriage.

Faced with this stark reality of modern slavery the obvious question is: what can be done?

The possible answers are complex: currently, for example, there is no national helpline for either people impacted by modern slavery or the organisations, businesses and individuals who may become aware of it. At the same time, a helpline will not be in any sense a cure-all, given that many people caught up in situations of modern slavery may have legitimate fears that prevent them from seeking help, so care must be taken, and consent obtained before acting on their behalf.  Actions taken without informed consent could increase risks to the safety and welfare of the people impacted, of other workers or family members. In whatever we do our aim must be to make things better, not worse.

Therefore, we should be open to seeking advice from those who have experience in this area and know the pitfalls and dangers of well-meaning but possibly unwise interventions. One example of this is an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, Domus 8.7, which exists to provide workers, businesses or community members with support, advice and guidance on how to respond to suspected or actual situations of modern slavery.

A first step which we can all take is to download the Faith For Freedom app: which we are officially launching this afternoon.

• It is designed for faith leaders and faith communities – so let’s use it.
• Let’s encourage our local communities, through their pastors, priests and community leaders to inform themselves of this awful reality of modern slavery,
• And let’s make ourselves familiar with the Faith For Freedom advocacy toolkit, which is available here today and online and is a very valuable resource for us and our people.

Our faith tradition teaches us that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God. It is hard to imagine another issue which offends more against this fundamental truth than the horror of modern slavery.  It is my sincere hope that the app we are launching this afternoon will help our communities to develop a deeper awareness of this issue and inspire actions which can, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “set the prisoners free”.

References

https://www.catholic.au/s/article/Compendium-of-Modern-Slavery-Statements-Released