Abstract

This article explores the possibility of the involvement of the ecumenical church in addressing the complex issue of sex trafficking. It is done through a glocal theological theory built on missional theology and social ethics as human trafficking is reinterpreted to be a theological issue which could lead to a life-giving mission. Research takes place within the transformative paradigm using a mixed-methods approach, and the theory and praxis are examined with the fullness of life, human dignity, hope, justice and healing in mind. As a destination for sex trafficking, empirical research was done in Rustenburg, South Africa, among victims and survivors, missional workers and church leaders, and experts in the field. This assisted the investigation into the viability and content of this theory. It is then argued that a missional appropriation based on hope, liberation and justice adds a new dimension to being church and leads to a transformative mission to victims.

Highlights

  • This article presents the research findings of the author’s doctoral thesis, “A missional appropriation of human trafficking for the sex-work industry” (Kotze 2019)

  • Human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a gross crime and indignity against those who have been created in the image of God

  • The global ecumenical church has a responsibility to be an agent of transformation and assist the victims of this crime to become survivors and live and experience the fullness of life for which they were created

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Summary

Introduction

This article presents the research findings of the author’s doctoral thesis, “A missional appropriation of human trafficking for the sex-work industry” (Kotze 2019). This research is necessitated by a current limited theological reflection on this growing global issue and the complexities surrounding it. It is a defining problem of the twenty-first century (Shelley 2010:58) and the. Kotze & Niemandt STJ 2020, Vol 6, No 1, 405–428 dark side to globalisation that must be addressed (Robinson 2002) It is often described as a modern-day form of slavery (Shrikantiah 2007:162). In the author’s doctoral thesis, the focus fell on sexual exploitation in the form of sex trafficking, and it, forms the focus of this article

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