Having resolved to declare its opposition to human trafficking and encourage member, congregations, etc., to engage in education and advocacy efforts to end human trafficking as well as to protect victims, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada has taken steps forward in living out the adoption of this resolution.

Disciples Women have provided resources for education including Bible study, PowerPoint presentations, prayer walks, and advocacy opportunities. Members of the Executive Committee have attended trainings in their own regions and have provided information, workshops and presentations. Vendors used for logo items are researched to establish that slave labor is not used in their supply chains. Pertinent legislation is updated on Facebook page to alert when there are opportunities to engage elected officials in dialog to inform of its importance. Educational and advocacy articles were provided for Disciples Home Missions’ Advocate newsletter and for each issue of Just Women magazine. Disciples Women joined with an ecumenical group in Indianapolis to provide training and prevention efforts for the 2012 Super Bowl where thousands were trained to recognize and report human trafficking, and opportunities were provided for victims to seek help. A groundswell of support helped to push legislation through Indiana’s legislature to get it passed in time to be in effect for the Super Bowl events. 68 arrests were made and four women were rescued. Local agencies are used as resources to educate women’s groups on how they can be involved in both education and advocacy.

The General Minister and President provided a statement encouraging participation in Freedom Sunday as an opportunity to study and raise awareness on human trafficking and its victims.

The General Minister’s Justice Table created a Justice Primer to help engage the Disciples in education and discussion on what it means to be a just church. A Bible study was created to accompany it. This primer provides reflection and information on being a just church which will be groundwork for all justice activities including opposing human trafficking.