ACRATH, the national network of religious and lay people working together to combat human trafficking and slavery, is moving forward from its 20th anniversary with renewed energy and commitment, following a recent gathering of members. Source: The Good Oil.
A new president has been appointed, with Sister Annette Arnold RSJ taking on the role, after Sister Clare Condon SGS completed her second two-year term.
More than 40 members, staff and committee representatives of ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) from across the country met at the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in Sydney’s Baulkham Hills in March.
The two-day gathering reflected on 20 years of advocacy, and reaffirmed ACRATH’s commitment to ending human trafficking and supporting victim/survivors.
ACRATH National Executive Officer, Sister Sarah Puls SGS, said the gathering was an important opportunity for members to come together, share their experiences and have their voices heard.
Sr Clare Condon SGS stood down as ACRATH president at the March 26 annual general meeting. She said that among the highlights of her four years in the role was the ongoing strengthening of partnerships.
“There continues to be a strong support, both in personnel and financially, from Australian Catholic religious orders, particularly the women’s groups, as well as new partnerships with civil society and other groups who are working in this same area of trying to combat trafficking,” Sr Clare said.
“They’re all working together and supporting one another, particularly when they come together at the federal Government’s Roundtable and provide advocacy together.”
New president Sr Annette Arnold RSJ has a long involvement in working to combat human trafficking and slavery, including serving on the ACRATH National Committee since 2022 and currently serving as the Talitha Kum Oceania Regional Representative.
Sr Annette said she was honoured to have been appointed ACRATH’s president.
“We have celebrated 20 years of ACRATH, which has provided us the opportunity to both celebrate and take stock,” she said.
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ACRATH renews commitment to stop human trafficking and slavery (By Debra Vermeer, The Good Oil)
