For the last seven years I have been engaged in anti-human trafficking ministry, networking with groups who fight human trafficking both locally and internationally. I would like the support of the Louisville Institute to study and develop a spirituality for those working to raise awareness of this injustice as well as for women and girls who have been trafficked. This growing crime is present in our neighborhoods and is rarely addressed in a sermon or religious education program. I believe we need to raise consciousness among congregations about their role and moral response to those in our midst who are enslaved. Using stories from the Scriptures, abolitionists from our own history, and the experiences of those who have been trafficked, I would like to articulate a spirituality to drive this underground railroad.

Although men are trafficked, I plan to narrow the focus on girls and women and integrate themes of feminine spiritual development with a spirituality of anti-trafficking.

What would happen if "Sarah and Hagar" sat at the same table to reflect honestly on their experiences? Sexually exploited women, as well as those trafficked for labor; in their freedom have wisdom for all of us about what sustained them in extremely oppressive circumstances.