From darkness and fear...into light and new life An Ecumenical Prayer Service was held Sunday, August 17, 2008 to witness the public proclamation of a Corporate Stance of the Sister of the Diocese of Toledo and their Associates against the trafficking of women and children. In attendance were representatives from the Diocese of Toledo, Islamic Mosque, Jewish Community Relations Council, Monroe Street United Methodist Church, Rural Opportunities, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and the Toledo Area Ministries. A barren wreath, symbolizing abuse and violence, was gradually transformed into a beautiful wreath of flowers to symbolize the part each person plays in breaking the chain of those held bound by this horrific crime. "We, the Sisters and Associates of the Women Religious Communities in the Diocese of Toledo, in keeping with our position of nonviolence and respecting the inherent dignity of each person, corporately stand in support of human rights by explicitly opposing the trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor."