One in three reports by motorists using a pioneering app to gather information on modern slavery in hand car washes have indicated potential labour exploitation, according to figures released today.The Clewer Initiative’s Safe Car Wash App, which allows drivers to respond to a check list of key factors that may suggest modern slavery or labour exploitation at hand car washes, has been downloaded 31,000 times since its launch in 2018.Latest figures show 7,800 reports have been submitted using the app since the launch, with a third reaching a threshold of concern indicating potential labour exploitation.The statistics have been released as a series of new features were announced to the app, including updated questions and content and an improved user interface so it is easier to submit a report.Caroline Virgo, Director of The Clewer Initiative, said: “While many hand car wash businesses treat and pay their staff fairly, some are run by unscrupulous people, determined to make as much money as possible, regardless of how their workers are treated or whether they are following the law.“It is therefore vital we educate consumers on the importance of choosing responsible car washes that look after their workers, protect the environment, care for their customers and trade legally. The Safe Car Wash app is good news because it will help pinpoint and eliminate businesses that are exploiting workers. “The Safe Car Wash app is easy to use – it asks a series of questions related to signs of modern slavery and if it reaches a threshold that suggests workers are not being treated appropriately, it will invite the user to send a report through to the Modern Slavery Helpline for further investigation. “We would urge car owners and drivers to download the new version of the app today and help us identify and shut down exploitative businesses.”The app was launched in 2018 by The Clewer Initiative, the Church of England’s campaign against modern slavery, and the Santa Marta Group, the Catholic Church’s anti-slavery project, with support from anti-slavery campaigners and other key agencies, including the police and councils.
The Revd Dylan Turner has been appointed to the newly-created position of Anglican Communion Relations Officer.Currently working in the Diocese of Rochester, he will join the Church of England’s national Faith and Public Life department next month as part of the Anglican Communion team of staff. Before ordination, Turner (see photo) worked with the Foreign Office, training staff in diplomatic missions around the world to help British companies trade and invest globally.Bishop Anthony Poggo, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Adviser on Anglican Communion Affairs, said: “We look forward to utilising Dylan’s wide experience in supporting the ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury as a focus of unity in the Anglican Communion as well as being part of the Faith and Public Life team as it supports the Archbishops and Church of England.” Speaking on his appointment, Dylan said that “It is an honour to have been invited to join the Faith and Public Life team as Anglican Communion Relations Officer. “What particularly excites me about the role is the opportunity to draw on my experience before ordination working with the Foreign Office.” The Revd Canon Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of Faith and Public Life, said, “Dylan joins the Faith and Public Life team when it is only a few months old, and is developing its life together to serve the Church of England as an institution and the two Archbishops in their personal ministries. “The range and depth of Dylan’s experience will bring much to the team and I greatly look forward to working with him.”
This Sunday our 10am service is Cafe Church at the Winn Hall. So jump on the Dunsfold bandwagon, join us for breakfast and an informal service that this weekend has a special Songs of Praise setting.<br>There are many people who lamented the lack of hymns during the lockdown restrictions. Here's your chance to make amends and enjoy singing your favourite hymns with an added personal touch that will be revealed on Sunday.<br>If you can't be present in person please click on the link below to take part via Zoom.<br>You'll also find attached an eye-catching photo from last Sunday's Jubilee parade and a second photo link to the front page of the biggest-selling newspaper in SW France which carried a wonderful image of the Queen with the translated headline..."Undefeatable."<br><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09</a>
THE massacre of dozens of worshippers during mass at Pentecost in a Roman Catholic church in south-west Nigeria was an “act of pure evil and a profound offence to God”, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.At least 50 people, including many children, are believed to have died in the attack at St Francis’s, Owo, in Ondo State.Armed men arrived on motorcycles and entered the church, setting off explosives. They spent 30 minutes inside, shooting worshippers. Some had already entered the church before the service, posing as worshippers, a police spokesman said.Witnesses saw blood on the altar and the floor, and bodies strewn on pews. The church, which was full when the attack began, can hold up to 1200 people.A chorister, John Nwovu, told the BBC: “I saw entire families being wiped away: friends, relatives, those I knew.”Archbishop Welby, who worked in Nigeria before his ordination, said: “The massacre of worshippers — men, women, and children — during a mass in south-west Nigeria was an act of pure evil and a profound offence to God.“The tragedy is deepened because such vulnerable people found no mercy from their attackers. May God receive their souls in peace.“My prayers are with all affected by this barbaric attack. I continue to pray for the nation of Nigeria.”Pope Francis sent assurance of his prayers for the victims and for the country. “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the horrific attack at St Francis Church in Owo, and he assures you and all those affected by this act of unspeakable violence of his spiritual closeness,” a telegram from the Vatican Secretary of State to Bishop Jude Ayodeji Arogundade of Ondo.“In commending the souls of the dead to the loving mercy of Almighty God and imploring divine healing and consolation upon the injured and those who are grieving, His Holiness prays for the conversion of those blinded by hatred and violence so that they will choose instead the path of peace and righteousness.”
