Sunday 25th March 200th Anniversary Of The Abolition Of Slavery

article from Issue No. 12/2007 for Sunday 25th March

Today we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Lord Granville was the Prime Minister and William Wilberforce was the MP who tabled the motion. It was approved by the Lords by 100 votes to 34, and in the Commons by 283 votes to 16. King George III gave Royal Assent on 25th March 1807. England was the first country to pass a law to end the slave trade, thus ending one of the most brutal chapters in human history.

The bicentenary celebration provides an opportunity to remember the past truth- fully, especially those who lost their lives, those who suffered, those who resisted and those who campaigned for abolition, and to reflect prayerfully that Jesus came to set everyone free. Last but not least, we now have a chance to give a Christian response to modern “slavery” in all its forms around the world. More historical information can be found in the meeting area.