Believing in Birmingham > Campaigns
2009 – 2010 – Economics and Justice
The current economic situation is to be the focus for activity and reflection within Believing in Birmingham this year… and, having made this decision, it seems that many other faith communities have had the same idea! Even as I write this, I have flyers on my desk entitled, ‘How Churches can respond to the Recession’ and ‘Coping with the credit crunch in the local church’. So…how to complement rather than to duplicate? One possibility is to examine how the current situation should be reflected in the liturgy of the churches…prayers, hymns, reflections, responsive readings. To this end, we are in conversation with Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson about the possibility of a workshop on this theme…some input from them, and creative response from ourselves. Watch this space. Another possibility is to engage in debate and discussion ( and action? ) regarding some of the more controversial takes on Christian teaching and material wealth: a paper on Prosperity Gospel is on the table already.
Neil Riches, Carrs Lane Church Centre
2008 – 2009 Human Trafficking
Following the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, Believing in Birmingham focused on the subject of Human Trafficking, from Lent 2008-Easter 2009.
In December 2008, with support from the B in B churches, over 100 people from many different sectors, met for a conference on Human Trafficking.
Speakers introduced a variety of topics including the trafficking of children, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, the signs of trafficking, resisting the commodification of human beings, reducing demand for trafficking and the long term impact of trafficking on individuals.
Since then there have been several meetings attended by many different organisations including a follow up event in April 2009, looking at legislation which recently came into force whereby trafficked people are now recognised as victims of crime and given accommodation, recovery time and support.
This work has put Believing in Birmingham in touch with the IOM (International Organisation for Migration) CHASTE (Churches Against Sex trafficking in Europe), AFRUCA (Africans Unite against Child Abuse), UKHTC (UK Human Trafficking Centre), West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership (including their Women’s Issues Group), RSVP (Rape and Sexual Violence project), RESTORE, ASIRT (Asylum Support and Immigration Resource Team) and many other organisations.
If you want to know more, have been affected by trafficking or suspect that someone you know may be affected and want to find out which organisations may be able to help) please email stephen.willey@necgroup.co.uk at the West Midlands Anti-Trafficking Group or phone 0121 767 2911.
Or, to inform the authorities of any suspicions phone Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
Stephen Willey, Methodist Industrial Chaplain & West Midlands Anti-Trafficking Group