The Oxford story
Oxford Diocese was the first faith organisation to join the Oxford Anti-Slavery Partnership.
Key Contact: Hannah Ling
The Diocese of Oxford is working in partnership to address the high incidence of modern slavery in Thames Valley.
A number of groups are actively working to address modern slavery in the diocese, including the Mothers’ Union.
Working in partnership
After receiving training on modern slavery from The Clewer Initiative, representatives from the diocese joined the Oxford Anti-Slavery Partnership, which is co-ordinated by Thames Valley Police and brings together local authorities, charities, and faith groups. The diocese were the first faith group to join, and membership of the Partnership has provided the diocese with insights into the landscape of modern slavery in the area.
The diocese is also a member of Anti-Slavery Initiative Oxford, which is a group of passionate anti-slavery activists who run regular events.
Awareness raising across the diocese
In 2018, the Maidenhead Street Angels organised an event attended by representatives from churches across Maidenhead. The event featured a speaker from The Clewer Initiative, and covered the signs of modern slavery, how to raise concerns safely, and what to pray for.
To mark Anti-Slavery Day 2021, the Diocese of Oxford Mothers’ Union took part in their national ‘craftivism’ campaign, creating giant crochet chains. The chains, which were made up of 1,460 links, served as powerful visual symbols of the number of unseen victims of modern slavery across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. The chain was displayed at Reading Minster.
