From the editor’s desk
What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.
OVER the past few months the news has been full of stories about the cost of living crisis that many people are experiencing. It’s a crisis that has led to a growing demand for cheap goods and services – and that demand has created the perfect conditions for human trafficking and modern slavery. Thousands of people across the UK have been forced into a life of abuse and servitude, with more being trapped in modern slavery every day. It is a miserable existence, but people are being rescued from it and, as we report in this week’s War Cry, The Salvation Army is helping them to build new lives of freedom. You can play a part in helping too, simply by being aware – because the uncomfortable truth is that you might come into contact with a victim of modern slavery in everyday life without even realising it. The key is to recognise some telltale signs: l They may look uneasy, unkempt or malnourished. l They may have untreated injuries. l Someone else may be speaking for them or paying for their travel. l They may be picked up and dropped off from work at unusual times. l They may not be sure of their own address. If you suspect that someone you have come into contact with is a victim of modern slavery and in need of help, please call The Salvation Army’s confidential 24/7 referral helpline on 0800 808 3733, the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If there is an immediate danger to the suspected victim, or if you think that they are under 18, inform the police by calling 999 as a matter of urgency. Together we can make a difference and ad the War C help get survivors of modern slavery out of e re ry v ’ u danger and into a new life.
What is the War Cry? The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.
WAR CRY Issue No 7595
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Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Ivan Radford Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku Staff Writer: Emily Bright Staff Writer: Claire Brine Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston Graphic Designer: Mark Knight The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Mal Davies Published weekly by The Salvation Army © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by CKN Print, Northampton, on sustainably sourced paper
INFO Your local Salvation Army centre
2 • WAR CRY • 24 September 2022
THE Salvation Army is asking people to buy, wear and share pictures of themselves wearing a temporary tattoo to spread awareness of modern slavery. These tattoos are available to buy ahead of Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October and feature a barcode to symbolise how slavery treats people as objects that can be bought, sold and exploited. A tattoo can be bought for £1 from some Salvation Army shops or online at sps-shop.com/asd-tattoo with all proceeds going towards The Salvation Army’s Survivor Support Fund. This fund provides vital additional support to help survivors of slavery move on with their lives. To join the campaign and spread the word, wear your tattoo, take a selfie and share it online with #WeAreNotForSale on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and tag The Salvation Army UK.
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