In the nineteenth century, the Western world witnessed a wave of humanitarian reform and social justice that reshaped societies. The abolition of slavery, prison reform, the establishment of hospitals and schools for the poor, women’s rights, opposition to forced prostitution, and the fight against child labor were not mere political triumphs—they were victories born from the fiery zeal of evangelical Christians. Men and women of faith, driven by the teachings of Scripture, stood boldly against injustice, transforming the moral landscape of their time. As I immerse myself in history, I am struck by their courage and conviction, and I am compelled to ask: Where is that zeal today in the twenty-first century?

The Christian church, once a beacon of compassion and justice, seems to have lost its fervor. Our leadership is faltering, our commitment waning, and our discipleship diluted. Instead of leading the charge against the world’s injustices, the church has too often allowed governments to take the reins, ushering in a secular worldview that has plunged society into an immoral nosedive. The Bible warns us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, NIV). Yet, we have allowed secular ideologies to overshadow the call to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV). The result? Grievous injustices, like modern slavery, continue to thrive—often unchecked—while the church remains silent.

The Persistent Horror of Modern Slavery

Many believe slavery is a relic of the past, eradicated by the abolitionist movements of the nineteenth century. Yet, the reality is far more sobering. According to the International Labour Organization (2022), an estimated 25 million people are trapped in forced labor, debt bondage, or human trafficking worldwide. The Global Slavery Index (2023) paints an even grimmer picture, estimating that 49.6 million people live in some form of modern slavery across 167 countries. These numbers dwarf the estimated 10–12 million people enslaved during the four centuries of the transatlantic slave trade. From forced prostitution in Southeast Asia to bonded labor in South Asia and child trafficking in Africa, modern slavery is a global crisis that surpasses the scale of historical slavery.

The Bible is unequivocal about the call to fight such oppression. In Isaiah 1:17, God commands His people to “learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (NIV). The early church embodied this mandate. Consider the story of Onesimus, the runaway slave in the Book of Philemon. Paul, while not explicitly condemning slavery in its cultural context, urged Philemon to treat Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother” (Philemon 1:16, NIV). This radical call to love and equality laid the groundwork for the Christian abolitionist movements centuries later. Where is that same passion to defend the oppressed today?

The Silence of the Church

The church’s silence in the face of modern slavery is deafening. While organizations like the International Justice Mission and a few dedicated ministries work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and forced labor, the broader Christian community often remains disengaged. Our pews are filled, but our hands are idle. Our sermons are preached, but our actions are absent. Jesus Himself warned against such complacency: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, NIV). Faith without action is dead (James 2:17), and our inaction in the face of modern slavery is a betrayal of the Gospel’s call to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

I have personally witnessed this apathy. For months, I’ve been urging my community to sign a petition to repeal the Johnson Amendment—a law that restricts churches from engaging in political advocacy, stifling our ability to speak boldly against injustice. Yet, only one person has signed. One. The silence is not just deafening; it’s heartbreaking. Are we so comfortable in our sanctuaries that we’ve forgotten the cries of the oppressed? Have we traded the prophetic voice of the church for tax-exempt status and cultural acceptance?

A Call to Rekindle the Zeal

The church must reclaim its role as a force for justice and compassion. The abolitionists of the nineteenth century—men like William Wilberforce, inspired by his deep Christian faith—fought relentlessly to end the transatlantic slave trade. Wilberforce once said, “You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.” His words echo across the centuries, challenging us to confront the reality of modern slavery. We cannot claim ignorance when millions are suffering in chains—physical, economic, and spiritual.

The Bible offers a clear blueprint for action. In Luke 4:18–19, Jesus declares His mission: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (NIV). This is not just a statement of Christ’s purpose—it is a call for His followers to continue His work. We are His hands and feet, commissioned to set the captives free.

Practical Steps Forward

So, what can we do? First, we must educate ourselves and our churches about the reality of modern slavery. Resources from organizations like the International Labour Organization and the Global Slavery Index provide data and insights to inform our advocacy. Second, we must support ministries and organizations actively fighting human trafficking and forced labor. Third, we must pray fervently, as “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV). Finally, we must reclaim our prophetic voice. Repealing the Johnson Amendment would empower churches to speak boldly on issues of justice without fear of losing tax-exempt status. I urge you to sign the petition to repeal this law and amplify the church’s voice. [Insert link to petition here, if available.]

A Final Plea

The zeal of the nineteenth-century church changed the world. It tore down the chains of slavery, built hospitals, and gave voice to the voiceless. Today, the chains of modern slavery bind nearly 50 million souls, and the church cannot afford to remain silent. Let us heed the call of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV). The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Will you join the fight? Will you sign the petition? Will you stand for the oppressed as Christ did?

The time for silence is over. The time for zeal is now.