A ‘chain of light’ in Derbyshire

Candles have been lit across Derbyshire to create a ‘chain of light’ throughout Freedom Week (16-23 October 2016) to show support for the fight to end modern day slavery

With more than 13,000 estimated victims of modern slavery in the UK, The Diocese of Derby is holding Freedom Week to raise greater awareness of the issue.

A ‘chain of light’ has been created in both north and south Derbyshire with candles lit in parishes starting at Christ Church, Belper in the south and the Crooked Spire Church, Chesterfield in the north on Sunday 16 October, before travelling throughout the week to Wilmorton, Derby, Normanton, Heanor, Swanwick, Bakewell, Buxton and Staveley.

The chain reached Heanor Baptist Church, where pastor David Howe was among those lighting a candle (pictured). 

The Bishop of Derby, The Right Rev Alastair Redfern, lit a candle at Derby Cathedral for a special Anti-Slavery Day Evensong Service on Tuesday 18 October.

He urged the congregation to be vigilant in the fight against slavery taking place in many hidden ways in the midst of society from forced labour and the sex trade to domestic servitude and forced begging. 

Others supporting the campaign included Heanor Baptist Church; Derby University Multi Faith Centre; Matlock County Hall and Chesterfield Town Hall.