Slavery

Index - Posting 03 January 2007 Vol. 3:1

…sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons…

Psalm 105.17-18 ( NIV)

Depending on one’s perspective, this month marks the beginning of a celebratory or commiseratory year to mark the Centenary of the 200 th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery. Again depending on one’s position, it may be seen as serving primarily to highlight the role of English Abolitionists, namely William Wilberforce. It may also be viewed as the further downplaying of the people of African descent who struggled, fought and died to enable our ongoing emancipation. It may even herald a better understanding of a wider reality that places us firmly in the foreground of British history and culture as active participants in the development of this Nation. Time will tell as the months progress and perspectives emerge.

In 2004 the Government of Jamaica established a bicentenary committee that was mandated to provide an educational programme that provided a Caribbean perceptive to the process of abolition. Last week, the following was reported in a national newspaper.

A year-long series of activities have been planned for this year to highlight the contributions of Jamaica's African ancestors in ending the transatlantic slave trade…the abolition of the slave trade marked the start of a new Jamaican identity and that the celebrations were a fitting tribute to Jamaicans’ ancestors…an entire year of remembrance and reflection on the spirit of the nation’s ancestors whose fight for freedom provided Jamaicans with the opportunity to live their own lives. Jamaica played a leading role in putting forward a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly that 2007 be recognised internationally as the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Trans Atlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans.

The United Nations also adopted March 25 th as the International Day for the Commemoration of this event. In his address to the U.N. Assembly, Jamaica’s ambassador emphasized;

the need for compensatory measures to address the lingering impact of slavery and the slave trade…[and] the adoption of the resolution, along with commemorative activities…represented the beginning of steps towards acknowledgment, atonement, healing and reconciliation.

Locally, Churches Together in England have initiated a project called: Set all free – Act to end slavery. Their website identifies the following aims;

to commemorate the bicentenary…in ways which challenge modern society to engage with Christian values…to highlight how the abolitionists’ values can transform our relationships on an individual, community and societal level…[it] will provide an opportunity for an honest retelling of the history of Britain’s part in the slave trade and facilitate an honest dialogue on healing, reconciliation and reparations. It will explore the role of the Church during transatlantic slavery and find out why many denominations turned a blind eye to the plight of enslaved Africans

I have quoted at length from the country of my father’s ancestors, Jamaica and those of my mother, England. In both I am descended from slaves; in one I can celebrate their struggle and participation in my emancipation. In the other, I am unsure what I will encounter in the coming year.

In his address to the 10 th General Conference in 1981, the black gay Pentecostal minister, Dr James Tinney, challenged my denomination with several tasks, two of which are relevant here. Firstly, to undertake a historical analysis of the cultural biases within the denomination that affected its relationships, assumptions and values. And secondly, to form a new community with the liberating power of the Spirit of Jesus that challenges the concepts that support and bolster racism (and sexism). The Centenary provides an opportunity for us as the heirs of slavery, to continue the processes identified by Set All Free - to remember, reflect and respond - as individuals, as people of whatever descent and as faith communities, to the lingering legacies of slavery and present day racism.

And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons. But in every nation those who venerate and has a reverential fear for God, treating God with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to God and sure of being received and welcomed. Acts: 10.34-35 (Amplified & inclusified)

May the Holy Spirit of God continue your personal liberation in the beauty of your descent and heritage.

If you are resident in the U.K. and of African descent and would like to participate in a simple gathering involving a meal together on Sunday 25 th March to honour our ancestors, please contact me by email. Thanks.

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