Two senior rabbis join world faith leaders in pledge to end modern slavery

2 December 2014, 4:37 pm

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, joined the Pope, and other world faith leaders, including two high profile rabbis in Rome, to sign a historic declaration to end modern slavery.

Rabbi Dr. Abraham Skorka, a highly considered Argentine Rabbi, and the former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Chief Rabbi David Rosen, joined The ground-breaking Global Freedom Network – which launched with backing from Archbishop Justin Welby and Pope Francis in March 2014 – bringing faith leaders together in a commitment to eradicate modern slavery by 2020.

Former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Rabbi David Rosen, told the Jewish news that this was a wonderful demonstration of the essential necessary cooperation of leaders and representatives of the world’s Religions to work together to combat the evils of our world and to promote the welbeing of humanity.

 

The Joint Declaration underlines that modern slavery still exists through  human trafficking, forced labour and prostitution, organ trafficking, and abusive relationship.

In an address before the signing, Archbishop Justin described today’s declaration as “a profoundly significant moment”. He outlined in his speech that “there are already close and trusting relationships between us as faith leaders. Our task now is to make those relationships work effectively for the well-being of all people. He continued to add that faith leaders can make sure that every worshiping community knows about modern slavery and is ready to work to prevent and end such abuses.

“As we make this solemn commitment today, my prayer is that we shall by God’s grace play a key role in ending the inhuman practices of modern slavery – practices that disfigure our world and obscure the image of God in men, women and children. We have the will, we have the common purpose, this can be done; may God bless our action together.”

The Declaration itself outlined number of key themes, such as the need to “inspire spiritual and practical action”, with  a goal of eradicating modern slavery “across the world by 2020 and for all time.”

 

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