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Image: Reflections from a past Convener of the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group

28/07/2017
Reflections from a past Convener of the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group

To mark World Day Against Human Trafficking on Sunday 30th July 2017 Hazel Watson writes our latest blog which highlights the work done to raise awareness of human trafficking through the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group.


“Take this old woman – she’ll do whatever you want!  She’ll clean, cook, make the beds, look after your children and what’s best of all, after the initial purchase price she won’t cost you a penny.  She’ll sleep in a corner on the kitchen floor or in that cupboard under the stairs.  As you can see she’s only little so doesn’t take up much space and she only eats scraps and leftovers, if she’s lucky.   Now then, moving on to this beauty here …” 


I was one of three ‘slaves’ being sold – myself into domestic servitude, a lovely young woman into a life of prostitution and a fit young man into forced labour in the construction industry.  It gave me the merest glimpse into how it feels to be a victim of human trafficking and modern slavery.  I was being sold in a mock slave auction at Heart and Soul, the Church of Scotland’s festival in Edinburgh.  The humiliation was acute and painful – yet I had the luxury of knowing that I would cast off the role and go home to my own bed.


This is one of the ways in which the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group raises awareness of the shocking reality of this most cruel and degrading crime.  Human trafficking is one of the world’s most lucrative illicit businesses, operating on a global scale, and it happens here too.  Vulnerable people are exploited in our fishing industry, on farms, in brothels, in hotels and restaurants and in private homes. 


In 2011 Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) established the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group to work ecumenically, raising awareness among churches of human trafficking.  We developed and distributed information leaflets to local churches that offered hospitality during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but despite suggestions that trafficking might increase during the Games, there was no evidence of the assumed increase.


This did not mean, however, that human trafficking was not an issue here.  United Nations reports showed rising numbers internationally.  Scotland was not exempt.  We heard of abject misery suffered by people lured into leaving their homes and families with promises of a better life here.  We joined campaigns to introduce legislation in Scotland to make human trafficking a specific crime and encouraged church members across Scotland to ask their MSPs to support the legislation.  The Act was passed in 2015.  More recently we helped develop the government’s strategy to implement that legislation.


A new initiative offers spiritual befriending to women who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation and who wish to attend church or discuss matters of faith.  We are also working with Migrant Help, the organisation that supports adults who have been trafficked for all other forms of exploitation. 


Now we are planning a conference in partnership with the Augustine Institute and the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, New College, University of Edinburgh.  This will be held on Saturday 7th October.  Further details will be available soon.


During my three years as the group’s convener I’ve met many people who are working hard to end this evil crime.  Delivering talks with various church groups has allowed me to meet wonderful people from Stonehaven in the north-east to Dumfries in the south-west.  Best of all, I have had the honour of working with the amazing people on the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group.  Their knowledge, talents and enthusiasm have shaped our work and will continue to contribute to the fight against trafficking.


To be bought and sold for selfish gain, threatened, and forced to work long hours in appalling conditions is a far cry from the abundant life that Jesus wants for us all.  We take comfort from the fact that God ‘heals the broken-hearted’ (Psalm 127:3) and that He sent Jesus to ‘proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free’ (Luke 4: 18).


Image: Building communities of welcome

21/07/2017
Building communities of welcome

In our latest blog, Iain Johnston, Director of Faith in Community Scotland, reflects on one of the charity’s projects which seeks to build community amongst people leaving prison.


We finally got round to it. The climb up Ben A’an.  Not a normal ‘day at the office’ for any of us – but there isn’t such a thing in the diverse work of Faith in Community Scotland!  Some folk didn’t make it right to the top, but what really mattered was the encouragement, care and support shared and received by everyone in the group, whether they were enjoying the climb now that they were out of prison, or taking part as a volunteer or member of staff.
 
In Faith in Community Scotland we believe profoundly in the goodness which lies deep within people and communities, and we play our part in harnessing the potential of everyone to work for positive change – at both a personal level and in building flourishing communities where people are loved, welcomed and encouraged to be all they can be.
 
One way we do this is through our Faith in Throughcare project, which we’ve been developing for the past 7 years in the north of Glasgow, and more recently in Kilmarnock, Inverclyde and Dundee.  When ‘Andy’ (his name has been changed) was nearing the end of his sentence in Low Moss prison, he started to meet with us to prepare; and on the day of release, one of our volunteers met him at the gate.
 
Andy faced many challenges, certainly.  For a start, he needed to sort out somewhere to stay; and he was determined to stay off drugs – something we were keen to support him in. But that wasn’t – and isn’t - the whole story.
 
Andy had – and has - hopes and dreams. And this lies at the core of our work.  We listen carefully to people like Andy, supporting them to make changes – and encouraging them to take up new challenges.  For Andy it was cooking and enjoying the outdoors.
 
Andy helped plan a residential trip to Argyll, the first time he had been anywhere so beautiful.  Before the trip Andy had never cooked.  A volunteer encouraged him to try something new and on the second day he cooked lunch for 18 people and was delighted! 
 
It may seem simple but Andy’s confidence grew and he’s continued to cook for himself and get out of the city and into a peaceful environment.  Others have become involved in gardening, creative writing groups, photography classes and community choirs.
 
And in all this work, we depend on the interest and support of local communities, including churches.    In the north of Glasgow, for example, St Augustine’s Parish works closely with St Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Colston Milton Church of Scotland. They support us in lots of different ways by offering space to meet, lending the minibus for trips and playing an active part in the local management group.
 
But it’s the volunteers who make a real difference.  They are the ones who help build communities of welcome and hospitality where people who are leaving prison can share a coffee with new friends, learn how to grow potatoes, take up glass painting, or sing their heart out!
 
Back to that climb up Ben A’an.  It was a challenge for sure, steep at the bottom and then again at the top – with a gentle meander in the middle.  When we got to the top, we all relished the view as far as the eye could see.  And although we eventually had to come down, the memories of the view – and the companionship on the way up – provide each of us with the fuel and energy to take us on to the next challenge.
 
So - if you believe in the potential of people, and can spare about half a day a week (or more), we would love to hear from you!  We start new volunteer training programmes in Glasgow and Dundee on the 31 August, so if you’re interested, please get in touch on 0141 221 4576, or by sending an email to info@faithincommunityscotland.org .

Image: Strength from No Religion

14/07/2017
Strength from No Religion

George Allan of The Wayside Club for the vulnerable and homeless in Glasgow writes our new blog.  Described by the late Cardinal Winning as "The Jewel in the crown of the Archdiocese of Glasgow" the Wayside Club epitomises Pope Francis' recent message when announcing the 1st World Day of the Poor on 19th November 2017, "Love not in word but in deed".


The Wayside Club Centre at 32 Midland Street, Glasgow, G1 4PR, has been supporting the homeless and vulnerable in Glasgow for over 70 years. Our ethos has remained constant, maintaining the truths of our Catholic faith, and emphasising that we are in no position to judge anyone or indeed be upset by others who don't always agree with the One from whom we draw strength.
 
The club opens its doors every evening all year round, and on Saturday afternoons. Our Presidium Group, Our Lady of the Wayside, has 18 regular members who volunteer in turn to work on a particular evening or to do a Saturday afternoon shift, so that the club is consistently open for our patrons (the word we use for club users). We are a very diverse group of lay Catholics of varying ages and backgrounds who unite in supporting patrons in many aspects of their lives.
 
An average of 60 - 70 patrons come to the club each time we open. Patrons of many faiths and none are given food, access to clean clothing and if needed, haircuts. They can enjoy light entertainment and company and if they wish, can spend some time in our oratory.
 
On Sunday evenings, clergy always come along to support us. They are so generous with their time and as well as chatting with our patrons, they offer Mass, which gives them the opportunity to share in the Sacraments.
 
The patrons, many of whom have personal issues or have had difficulties throughout their lives, are often a great source of learning and can be inspirational.
 
I recall a cold wet dark miserable January evening when the doorbell rang and we opened the door to a patron called Grahame. Grahame doesn’t often come to the club and he was looking rather downtrodden. He asked ‘Do you have anything holy you could give?’ We handed him rosary beads, he thanked us and left, but a few seconds later the bell rang again. It was Grahame again, and he asked ‘Can you say that prayer thing over the rosary?’ We worked out with Grahame that he was referring to blessing of the rosary beads, which can only be done by clergy. As he looked disappointed when we told him this, I asked ‘Would you like to say a prayer together?’
He answered ‘I don't know any prayers and have no religion,’ so I said a simple prayer that my mother used to say each evening before we all went to sleep: ‘God Bless Grahame and keep him safe from all harm.’
It is very easy to forget in this busy confusing world of ours what and who we are. If we take each other and God for granted we are missing great times and opportunities to strengthen the gifts of faith.
 
On that dreich busy Friday evening, the conditions were challenging. But God's real presence was there, radiating and supporting someone who life had thrown a few curveballs, leaving him homeless and an addict. With no religion and little knowledge of regular prayers, Grahame still had faith in God and he was an inspiration.
 
Jesus has promised He will return. I often wonder where He will grace with His presence and what will He look like. Will I choose to ignore him if he challenges my prejudices or fears, or will I be like St Thomas who asked for proof before I believe?
 
Sometimes we need to have thinking time to reflect on the gift of faith that many of us have inherited from each other and from generations of the faithful who have supported the club with their generosity and more importantly, their prayers.
 
May we be strong in our trust in God during challenging times, just like Grahame, confronting injustices directed at the needy and particularly towards our faith, even if this means being a lone voice in a busy room.
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