Sexual Exploitation Working Group

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God has shown all you people what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 Tweet

Current Program Priorities (2024-27)

True justice demands addressing the root cause of sex trafficking. By minimizing this demand, we minimize the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The time to act is now. Combat sexual exploitation by focusing on demand reduction through education, advocacy, and theological reflection within local communities, legislators, congregations and parish leaders is a priority.  Predators must be held accountable for their exploitive behavior which treats the victims are commodities. 

Together, we are committed to understanding the linkages between sexual exploitation and missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, children in care, and other disproportionately affected groups.

Indigenous women are overrepresented in prostitution and the foster care system. The violence and dehumanization of colonization have left Canada plagued with systemic racism against Indigenous people.

We believe that change happens when the vulnerable are heard and supported, their rights respected, protected, and promoted. We are committed to prayer, reflection, advocacy, and action to hold those who violate others accountable. Our diverse working group, united in our commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of women and children, brings courage and experience to this vital work. We are driven by our shared belief and God’s call to protect the dignity of all.

Our Resources

Cover of sexual exploitation in canada publication, featuring a group sitting at a meeting table in discussion

Sexual Exploitation in Canada

A leadership and learning kit for churches.

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About the Sexual Exploitation Working Group

Established: In April 2008, the Commission on Justice and Peace established the Sexual Exploitation Working Group originally as part of a strategic planning process by the Commission on Justice and Peace, focusing on human trafficking.

Refocused: In January 2016, the Commission changed the name of the group to the Sexual Exploitation in Canada Working Group to reflect a broader commitment to addressing all forms of sexual exploitation. 

Our mission: To lead an ecumenical response to sexual exploitation in Canada, including the pervasive issue of pornography, recognizing it as a critical justice and human rights issue that disproportionately affects women and children.

A background image of chains

As people of faith

we believe in the human rights and the emancipation of persons everywhere.

Current Members (2024-27)

  • Rev. Karen Stepko, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
  • Zarina Angell, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Rev. Deborah Stanbury (co-chair), The Presbyterian Church in Canada
  • Savelia Curniski, Orthodox Church in America
  • Susan Johnson (chair), Mar Thoma Church
  • Penny Rankin, co-chair (observer), Montreal Council of Women
  • Nancy Brown, co-chair Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
  • Julia Beazley, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
  • Laura Iarci, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
  • Jennifer Lucking, Reformed Church in America
  • Diane Dwarka, Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada
  • Julia Ellergodt, Defend Dignity
  • Karen Puddicombe, CCC Program Staff
Last updated: February 2025
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