Saturday, May 03, 2008

Sunday, May 18, 2008 - Monday, May 05, 2008

NOT FOR SALE SUNDAY (18th May, Across Europe)

Tackling demand

Raising awareness

Confronting sexual exploitation

Not for Sale Sunday is an opportunity to say that women's, children's and men's bodies are Not for Sale. Women and Children and Men are made in the image of God, and we are called to enable that image to grow, develop, and be reflected in all our lives, for everybody, no matter their age, race, creed or gender.

Not for Sale Sunday is part of a week-end of activities where you and your church, friends, family and colleagues can engage with the issue of sexual exploitation today. There are extensive resources available to help you plan services and events via this link.

Make Not for Sale Sunday - 18th May 2008 - your time to reflect, respond and start to make a difference in a world where women, children and young men are subject to abuse, privation, sexual humiliation and violation.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - Friday, September 05, 2008

The Scandal of Child Sex Trafficking - a Challenge to the West

Guildhall Southampton Tuesday 20 May, 7.30pm

Father Shay Cullen, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, will speak on the international shame of child exploitation, child abuse and the trafficking of tens of thousands of children into the sex trade worldwide. He will address the issue of how the problem of trafficking is on our own doorstep and what we can do to combat this great modern day, evil manifestation of slavery.

He speaks from the harrowing and dangerous experience of nearly 40 years of devotion to rescuing countless defenceless children from the clutches of traffickers and paedophiles in the Philippines and beyond. So respected is his work, he has been nominated more than once for the Nobel Peace prize and won prestigious Human Rights prizes in Italy and Germany.

Shay Cullen travels internationally, a tireless lobbyist for justice and has spoken before US senate hearings, gave the Wilberforce lecture in 2007 and attended the House of Lords for the special 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade last year. He is an engaging and powerful speaker. His book, Passion and Power, published in 2006, traces his remarkable life to the present day.

Shay is accompanied on tour by the Akbay Youth Theatre Company, a group of talented young people, who will present an equally passionate and emotional drama - Once We had a Dream. In this moving and personal story, using music and dance, we are confronted with the type of dehumanising exploitation some of these young people have experienced and been rescued from themselves. We are challenged to think through what our response and subsequent action should be.

We anticipate that this event will be very popular and advise that you should arrive in good time to ensure that you have a seat. Free admission tickets will be available on the night, at the door, on a first come, first served basis. Participating churches will be distributing tickets prior to the event - please ask.

For further information please phone: 02380 392406