BY Ryan McDougall | November 1 | 
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Church offers prayers for 39 found dead in Essex Lorry
The Church in Scotland has offered its prayers for the 39 people found dead in the back of a lorry in Essex last week.
On Wednesday October 23, 31 men and eight women believed to be from Vietnam were found dead inside a refrigerated container being carried by a lorry.
As the SCO went to press, police were looking for Northern Ireland brothers Ronan Hughes, 40, and Christopher Hughes, 34, on suspicion of human trafficking.
Court proceedings
The driver of the lorry, Maurice Robinson, 25, also from Northern Ireland, appeared in court on Monday October 28 charged with 39 counts of manslaughter.
The Church in Scotland and Justice and Peace Scotland have both spoken out about the deaths.
A Church spokesperson said: “Pope Francis has rightly described human trafficking as ‘an open wound on the body of contemporary society’ and this most recent tragedy is a further example of its unspeakable horror and human cost. Prayers are offered for the victims, their families and local communities.”
Bishops’ aid
Scottish bishops are currently working with The Santa Marta Group, an alliance of international police chiefs, bishops and organisations around the world to help combat human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Last week, Bishop William Nolan of Galloway told the SCO the UK Government must establish ‘safe and legal routes’ for those fleeing persecution to come to the UK.
The wider Church in Scotland this week reinforced the bishop’s argument.
The Church spokesperson said: “The UK Government must also ensure strict safeguards and procedures are in place to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and to hold to account those responsible.”
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