Statement from Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
on the publishing of Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking

Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking is a welcome resource in the Diocese of Arlington. It addresses two of the most distressing and tragic realities of the 21st century: human trafficking and the enduring scourge of slavery. Most people cannot fathom how someone could traffic another person or treat them as property. Sadly, however, this is the experience of millions of victims every year. I pray that this resource will increase the awareness of the faithful of the presence of grave offenses to human life and dignity, sometimes even in our own communities. I also hope that it will encourage those persons who locally and nationally are dedicated to eradicating these evils in our society. May we as a country be united in prayer and action to end every instance of human trafficking and slavery.