Thousands Make their Mark as Bi-Centenary is Commemorated
29 March 2007

THOUSANDS MAKE THEIR MARK AS THE BI-CENTENARY OF THE ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE ACT IS COMMEMORATED

Thousands of church-goers across Birmingham, the region and the UK, pledged to stand against slavery in all its forms during a weekend of events and services to mark the Bi-Centenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

Churches across the Diocese of Birmingham held special services focussing on slavery in both its historical forms and contemporary systems of enforced labour, trafficking and child soldiers.

Coaches from Birmingham took worshippers to London to join the Walk of Witness which was organised by the Church of England to commemorate the Bi-Centenary. The walk was led by four Archbishops, two from England, one from the West Indies and one from West Africa.

The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart, joined the walk in London, spoke at the gathering in West Bromwich organised by the Council of Black Led Churches and Birmingham Churches Together and led services in Knowle parish church.

Bishop David said: “I was delighted to see so many familiar faces in London as I joined more than three thousand pilgrims on the Walk of Witness. It was a moving and poignant occasion with strong reminders of the impact and legacy of this evil system.

“The next morning I joined hundreds of worshippers in Knowle parish church where we, like many other churches in the Diocese, focussed on the issue of slavery exploring both the historical transatlantic trade and contemporary situations which rob human being of dignity, self-worth and freedom.

“It was a joy to then join around three thousand Christians from all denominations to remember and reflect further on the issues at the service of worship, prayer and learning at the Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich. I know and trust that this commemoration will continue to affect us all deeply in the coming months and years and will bring a harvest of reconciliation, redemption and restoration.”

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