Bishop praises charity helping survivors of slavery

Bishop Paul McAleenan was heartened to witness the “care and compassion and sense of community” Medaille Trust offers survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.

Those who met McAleenan told him of the challenges they face finding the support necessary to rebuild their lives in the UK. More than 500 survivors a year are helped by Medaille Trust’s network of safe houses and community projects.

Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, Medaille works with survivors to restore their dignity, empower them and enable them to take the first steps towards a new life.

“It was evident that the resilience of survivors is a powerful reminder that hope cannot be silenced,” said McAleenan after the meeting.

An auxiliary for Westminster Diocese who is also the lead bishop for refugees and migrants, McAleenan said he was “grateful” to the Trust for arranging the meeting.

He added: “I was pleased to hear that the Home Office has recently made some encouraging improvements in the way it processes applications. This is a welcome change. Yet it also reminds us that the evils of human trafficking and modern slavery, sadly, remain present today in many forms. We must stay vigilant, continue to broaden our knowledge to ensure that efforts to combat the issue do not cease.”

In a separate statement for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which since it coincides with the Jubilee of Migrants will be held from 4 to 5 October, Bishop McAleenan said: “Hostility and prejudice towards migrants and refugees, whatever its source – whether it is spoken or indicated in another way – must not make us lose hope or harden our hearts.”

He added: “It is our obligation to try and understand why migrants appear among us; our duty is to care for those who seek refuge in our country.”

In Rome, Pope Leo will preside over a weekend of celebrations to mark the Jubilee which will also be celebrated in parishes and schools in England and Wales. The two-day event is intended to acknowledge the presence in our communities of migrants and refugees and celebrate their contribution while growing in awareness of the difficulties they encounter.

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