Diakonia and Modern Slavery

CONTENTS:

Foreword by Kenneth Mtata vii

Diakonia and Modern Slavery: An Introduction
Erica Meijers, Alison Gardner, Hans Morten Haugen,
Demaine Solomons and Elorm Ama Stiles-Ocran 1

Section One
Sources: Biblical, Theological and Legal Inputs for the Debate on Diakonia and Modern Slavery

1. The Paradox of ʿeḇeḏ in the Old Testament and its Meaning for Diakonia
Haposan Cornelius Sinaga 21
2. The Shadows of Slavery in South Africa: A Black Theological Perspective
Demaine Solomons 37
3. Domestic Legislation in Western Countries in the Context of Practices Similar to Slavery
Hans Morten Haugen 51

Section Two
Legacies: Connecting Modern Slavery to Historical Dimensions

4. The Structural Silence over Domestic Female Servitude in Intimate Relations: A Challenge to Christian Faith Communities in Ghana
Elorm Ama Stiles-Ocran and David Stiles-Ocran 69
5. Caste: A Perpetrator of Slavery Then and Now
Deenabandhu Manchala 85
6. Who Owns the Gecosphere? A Theological Critique of Human-Centeredness
Sarah Korang Sansa 103

Section Three
Lived Realities: Affirming Dignity in Intersections of Oppression

7. Slave-Related Experiences of Women in the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria: A Conversation with Mercy Amba Oduyoye’s Liberation Theology
Alphine C. Ojiambo 117
8. Climate-Induced Modern-Day Slavery: Response-Ability of the Church
Jackline Makena Mutuma 129
9. Rethinking the ‘Prostitute Imaginary’: Theological Reflections on the Intersection of Slavery, Gender and Sexuality
Tollin Thumra and Erica Meijers 145

Section Four
Practices: Restorative Relations in Action

10. Setting the Captives Free? Strengths, Weaknesses and Silences in the Church’s Diaconal Response to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Alison Gardner and Amelia Watkins-Smith 165
11. Decolonial Diakonia: The Transformative Role of Lament in Christian Development Organisations
Toluwanimi Jaiyebo-Okoro 181
12. Unbounded Dedication: Unveiling Catholic Sisters’ Efforts to Eradicate Human Trafficking
Mariana Crespi de Valldaura 199
13. Building Resilience: Two Responses to Modern Slavery by the Salvation Army
Petra Kjellén Brooke, Marie Molund Lexow and Vilde Rolstad 217
14. Diakonia and Modern Slavery: Debates, Trends and Recommendations
Erica Meijers, Alison Gardner, Hans Morten Haugen,
Demaine Solomons and Elorm Ama Stiles-Ocran 231

Contributors 237
Index 241
About the Cover 255

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
This book brings together scholars and practitioners from different countries and continents with diverse backgrounds. Some are descendants of enslaved people, while others belong to the enslaving countries of the past. Many of the authors, however, connect in their biography several continents, transgressing the dichotomy between the so-called Global North and South. They represent a new generation of young emerging scholars in the field of modern slavery, underlining the fact that the intersection of slavery and diaconal studies is new in the field of the study of Christian social practices.

This exciting new book on religious diakonia and modern slavery does not just build a sound and needed bridge between these two key areas of activism – it builds a highway. Around the world are earnest, self-sacrificing, committed, and energetic believers and activists working to disrupt and suppress all forms of enslavement and empower those caught up in bondage. This is not just a Christian endeavour, it crosses many valleys and mountains of faith traditions, because the abuse and damage of those enslaved transcends specific spiritual traditions. This superb volume brings together the best of diaconal thought and provides depth and vision to liberation and rebuilding lives – highly recommended!
Kevin Bales, Professor of Contemporary Slavery, Rights Lab Research Professor University of Nottingham

Where human beings are enslaved, the body of Christ is wounded. This powerful ecumenical volume shows that modern slavery is not only a crime against humanity but a challenge to the unity, witness, and moral credibility of the Church. Bringing together global voices in theology and practice, it reimagines diakonia as participation in God’s liberating work of justice, dignity, and reconciliation. A prophetic and timely contribution, it invites the churches to deepen their unity through shared commitment to resist oppression and nurture life for all.
Stephanie Dietrich, Professor of Diaconal Studies/VID Specialized University, Oslo, Moderator WCC Faith and Order Commission

This timely contribution takes an intersectional and nuanced approach to the contested topic of modern slavery through a largely decolonial frame that centres the lived experiences of oppressed groups and those marginalized by the afterlife of slavery. Addressed to a broad audience which includes scholars, diaconal actors and church leaders, the book not only interrogates power asymmetries with regards to race, class and gender, but calls us towards a liberative and prophetic diaconia which challenges the church in its diaconal public vocation.
Nadine Bowers Du Toit, Professor of Practical Theology (Theology and Development) and Director of the Unit for Religion and Development Research, Stellenbosch University