S2-Day 5: God in the Red-Light Area

Red-light districts are the areas associated with the sex industry and sex-oriented businesses. India holds eight largest Red-Light Districts. Whenever we talk or hear of red-light area, we often think of it to be the dirtiest place since we think it as a place where immoral things happen. We are so judgmental regarding them that without even knowing the reality. We do not usually see God with them. We blame the women indulging in sex slavery as immoral when the fact is that it is the immorality of the men who go to brothels to fulfil their filthy desires. It is because of those dirty, greedy freaks who demand for younger girls, there is rapid increase trafficking and crime-rate. It has become a business that depends on demand and supply. These brothels are usually located in urban areas, as a huge network. 

When I was growing up as a girl, I often heard that sex-workers are the most immoral ones. Many of us may have such prejudices. We often think they are solely responsible for running their business. As I started my theological journey, I was exposed to many realities about them. During one of the exposures, I was sent to the ‘International Justice Mission,’ where my eyes were opened. I had a chance to visit Sonagachchi, Asia’s largest red-light district. When we prayed, we literally felt God’s presence. I realized that even in their work as ‘prostitutes,’ they had a quest for God, which was evident in our worshipping together. As we started worship, many sex-workers opened their windows and were listening to the songs we sang. When we conversed and prayed, I could feel the women’s pain and suffering. That visit was indeed a turning point in my life, which made me realize that God can be present in the ‘dirtiest’ places. I believe that God incarnated God-self, became human to be with the people who are marginalized and segregated from the society - economically, socially, religiously or politically. 

God is a ‘God of Needy’ and not of the ‘Moral Upright’. As we see in Luke 4, the Nazareth manifesto, where Jesus says, he came to set the captives free. In the red-light area, many sex-workers are in bondage. They are forced, trapped or sold by greedy people who cheat them with offers of a better life, in reality, forced into sex-slavery. To go back and get a normal life is just like an unachievable beautiful dream. The only thing left for them is to accept it as their fate and be submissive to their masters. 

Prostitution is often considered as the “greatest of all sins” but when we read John 7:57-8:9, we can see how Jesus treated the woman caught in adultery. According to the Law of Moses, she was supposed to be stoned and killed but Jesus did something contradictory, where he showed us to stand in solidarity with them without being judgmental, critical and hating them for their work. God is very much present there when the victims are crying in agony for their liberation. God is present when their body, mind and soul are tormented. It is impossible to rescue all of them and set them free from their bondage at once; because of the social system that confines us. However, that should not be the reason to stop ourselves either. Let us voice out for justice, for those in the place we consider dirty. Let us challenge this arrogant social system that devalues life and makes God’s creation vulnerable. Let us assure them of our love and acceptance, as we walk hand in hand working towards a society and church that is inclusive and just. Amen. 

Prayer 

O God in the red-light area, I pray for all those women who are working as sex workers in various brothels.Bewith them as they go through many difficulties in their lives. Help those who are working for their liberation and let them feel your presence and your hope in their lives. Amen. 

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Author: Elishiba Sunar 

About the Author: Elishiba hails from Sikkim and belongs to the Church of North India - Diocese of Eastern Himalaya. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Divinity from Bishop’s College, Kolkata.