The Catholic response to modern slavery
About Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network (ACAN)
The formation of ACAN as a network was catalysed by Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). In response, ACAN has emerged united in purpose to ensure that the legislative intent of the Act translates into meaningful change.
ACAN champions the dignity of work and the rights of workers, inspired by the Catholic social teachings that uphold justice, human flourishing, and solidarity.
ACAN envisions a society where every job reflects the dignity of the person who performs it and where economic systems serve humanity.
ACAN advocates for economic structures that promote equity, secure livelihoods and uphold the intrinsic value of people’s labour.
Our values
Respect and protect the dignity of workers impacted by modern slavery everywhere.
Work towards the Common Good and actively collaborate with survivors, governments, business and communities.
A commitment to supportive, respectful and ethical practices.
Patron Saint
Saint Josephine Bakhita
Click on the image to download a copy of the Saint Bakhita prayer
The 8th of February is the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita – the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
On this day Catholics are encouraged to pray for all those affected by the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking, and the people that volunteer and work to eradicate this crime.
PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
We pray for the victims of human trafficking that they may be brought to freedom and rebuild their lives after the traumatic experiences they have suffered.
We pray that St Josephine Bakhita, sold into slavery as a child, intercedes with God for those trapped in a state of slavery, so that they will be released from the shackles of captivity.
We pray for all those who are dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking that they will have the courage and strength to reach out and overcome challenges.
We pray that by our actions as consumers we always reject as gravely wrong any goods or services tainted with slavery.
We pray for our governments that their laws will protect victims of human trafficking and reject goods and services from sources associated with slavery and forced labour.
We pray that the Church will continue to defend and free victims of human trafficking and be a source of love, hope and faith to bring the vulnerable and enslaved to find healing for their wounds. Amen.
St Josephine Bakhita, Patron Saint of Slavery Victims, Pray for Us.
ACAN Annual Report 2020
ACAN's first Annual Report published on United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - 30 July 2020. The core of the Report is the Modern Slavery Risk Management Program being implemented across Catholic entities.
Progress to end modern slavery
In 2019 the AntiSlavery Taskforce launched the first ever Progress report about how Australian Catholic entities are managing modern slavery risk in their operations and supply chains.
Anti-slavery Conference
A groundbreaking conference held in Sydney in July 2019 and attended by over 100 people representing 45 Catholic entities to discuss practical steps to end modern slavery.
Modern Slavery Acts
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and other Catholic organisations lobbied to support the introduction of the Commonwealth and NSW Modern Slavery Acts.
Working Together
Catholic schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, universities, community services, investment and finance are just some of the Catholic organisations that touch the lives of millions of Australians.
1 in 5 Australian children are educated in Catholic schools (approximately 800,000) and 1 in 10 hospital patients and aged care residents receive care in Catholic facilities.
ACAN brings together Catholic entities to leverage their collective purchasing spend, share resources and coordinate action to manage modern slavery risk across their industry sectors.
Endorsements
“The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference endorses the 2023 Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements from Catholic entities across Australia. The 2023 Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements serves as a vital resource that tangibly expresses our collective moral and civic commitment to the Modern Slavery Act (2018). The 2023 Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements reiterates the commitment of each Catholic entity to proactively respecting and upholding the infinite dignity of every human being, a principle that compels each of us to stand resolutely against all forms of modern slavery and human exploitation. We openly embrace the call to upholding the dignity of every person as we recommit ourselves to being bearers of God’s love and justice in the world through the communities we serve across our nation.”
Archbishop Peter Costelloe, President – Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
“(AMPJP) brings together the MPJPs who sponsor some of Australia’s major Catholic health, aged and community care, and educational organisations. MPJP ministries wish to ensure they are not directly or indirectly contributing to modern slavery. AMPJP commends the Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network (ACAN) as a vital partner in informing and supporting MPJP Canonical Stewards and the ministries they sponsor in their missional role of addressing modern slavery.”
Martin Teulan, Executive Director - Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons
“Catholic schools serve as both centres of faith and learning, fostering in our students a respect for the human dignity of all people. Education is a powerful tool in promoting social justice and equity, and this Compendium demonstrates our shared commitment and strong engagement in our schools and dioceses towards these important principles.”
Jacinta Collins, Executive Director – National Catholic Education Commission
"As a Catholic health and aged care peak body, we are deeply committed to the sanctity of every human life and the dignity of every individual. This Compendium highlights our collective efforts across the nation to ensure that our health care operations and supply chains are sustainable. We continue to lead with faith and compassion, striving to set a benchmark for integrity and responsibility in all aspects of health and aged care."
Jason Kara, Chief Executive Officer - Catholic Health Australia
“Catholic Social Services Australia is committed to building a fair and inclusive society in Australia, one that upholds the dignity and equality of everyone, including those involved in our operations and supply chains. This Compendium highlights the ongoing efforts of our members to recognise and empower the vulnerable people who enable our work on the ground.”
Monique Earsman, Executive Director - Catholic Social Services Australia
