True Freedom
A new global resource from The World Council of Churches and The Clewer Initiative
True Freedom, a six-week course for Lent, draws on themes from the book of Galatians, and encourages individuals and churches to respond to modern slavery in their communities.
True Freedom includes:
A short Bible study on the book of Galatians
Case studies from churches around the world
victim stories
a reflection written by Revd Dr Kenneth Mtata and Bishop Alastair Redfern
information and statistics about modern slavery
a prayer
questions for group discussion or personal reflection
artwork to contemplate and discuss
action points, appropriate for different contexts
Through the six week course, we consider:
How criminals entice vulnerable people and make false promises and how this contrasts with the wonderful call of the gospel.
Week 1
Week 2
How people are commodified and not viewed as precious children of God.
The limitations of the law and the role the global church has in speaking up against injustice and lobbying for change.
Week 3
Week 4
The value of families and the tragedy of broken and fragmented neighbourhoods.
Our shared responsibility to care for the vulnerable and walk closely with the broken-hearted.
Week 5
The life of a disciple and the need to persevere for the long haul as we walk in the Spirit and enjoy our freedom as children of God.
Week 6
About the resource
The resource is part of an ongoing collaboration, which began in March 2020, between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Clewer Initiative. The collaboration has a particular focus on ending child slavery.
The two organisations saw the potential for creating a resource, similar to Woman in the Shadows, Children in the Shadows and Journeys (past Lent devotionals by The Clewer Initiative), but with an international focus.
The Clewer Initiative has been developing resources for the Church of England, the Anglican Communion and partner churches for a number of years. It is an enormous privilege to collaborate with the World Council of Churches and make this act of witness together.
Bishop Alastair Redfern
Chair of The Clewer Initiative
Download for free
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Download for free •
True Freedom 2024 - English
PDF | 5.2mb
True Freedom 2024 - German
PDF | 3.7mb
True Freedom 2024 - French
PDF | 5.7mb
True Freedom 2024 - spanish
PDF | 5.7mb
True Freedom 2024 - Dutch
PDF | 5.7mb
I am delighted that The Clewer Initiative, on behalf of the Church of England, has worked with the World Council of Churches to produce a global Lent course to help Christians learn about the challenges of modern slavery and human trafficking. Based upon Paul’s letter to the Galatians with its great theme of bondage and freedom, the course offers an opportunity for people to prayerfully consider how best they can make a creative contribution. In a world of great darkness and suffering, I hope that our Lenten journey might unite and inspire Christians across the world to show the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the light of the world.
The Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby
We would love to hear how our Lent resource has helped you think differently about modern slavery.
Why not email us and share how you are tackling exploitation in your community or tell us how we can help you take the next step in modern slavery action?