Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church offers, Fighting for Freedom - A Symposium on Human Trafficking, scheduled for 9 a.m. a.m. to 2:30 p.m., October 20. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. The goal is to educate and broaden the base of support to eradicate human trafficking in North Texas.  Trafficking occurs when a person is controlled through violence, deception or coercion for commercial sex, forced labor or domestic servitude.  Mark and Terry Demler, who are lay leaders in the church and diocese, chair the event. 

The Demlers lead the SMAA ministry "Project Moses" which provides detailed, informative sessions on how people of all races, ages, nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds become trapped in the cycle of trafficking. People often think that trafficking only affects those who come from other countries or bad neighborhoods, Terry Demler said. But it happens everywhere, she said. “It’s shocking.”

The symposium includes local, state and national experts who will share diagnosis and paths to survivorship. Today, in Texas, approximately 79,000 minors and young people are involved in sex trafficking. Approximately 234,000 workers, including migrant farm workers, construction workers, kitchen staffs and landscaping services, have been lured into labor trafficking, according to a study by the Institute on Domestic Violence Sexual Assault. 

Speakers plan to provide insight into the human trafficking environment, elements within the community fighting this crime and what is needed to shut it down.  On the agenda, experts will share how to recognize the signs and how to rescue and treat those at risk; most challenging is creating a safe and trusting environment for those in recovery.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will present Texas' aggressive legislative and criminal justice support and report on the special unit dedicated to combating human trafficking. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, is scheduled to speak. Bishop George Sumner will also be in attendance. 

The symposium will be in the sanctuary of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church at 8011 Douglas in Dallas.  Lunch will be provided, at no charge, by In-N-Out Burger. Displays include artifacts representing human trafficking. For more information/to reserve a place, please go to www.saintmichael.org/fff.   Or contact Terry Demler at  or Mark Demler at