set all free has been established by Churches Together in England to commemorate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 2007 in ways which challenge modern society to engage with Christian values. The project aims to highlight how the abolitionists? values can transform our relationships on an individual, community and society level.

We are focusing on three main elements to describe the work of set all free:

REMEMBER

• the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
• the abolitionists ? Black, white, male, female
• the role of the Church in both slavery and abolition

REFLECT

• on the consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and slavery, e.g.
• • racism
  • under-development
  • the impact on commerce

RESPOND

• to legacies of slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
• by taking action to end modern forms of slavery
• by working to effect healing and reconciliation

set all free is focusing on slavery ? both historic and contemporary ? and encouraging Church and society to be as prophetic and courageous as the black and white abolitionists of yesteryear in tackling the legacies of transatlantic slavery such as racism, cultural loss and poverty in Africa and the Diaspora, as well as modern forms of slavery such as bonded labour, people and sex trafficking and migrant working. Using the ethos that ?the truth sets all free? set all free 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 also 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 during centuries of Transatlantic slavery. By doing this set all free will draw comparisons to modern forms of exploitation which are legal (as transatlantic slavery was at the time), but morally reprehensible and call on the church to take action.

set all free is producing materials which make churches, para-churches, groups and individuals cognisant of the significance of the bicentenary and help them to use this event as the basis for reflection, change and action. The project is therefore working to engage folk in sharing our vision for 2007 and allow them to participate in events that make a real difference in their lives and those for whom slavery and enslavement is still a reality.

The project is articulating its clear message for 2007 which promotes and supports theological reflection on redemption, justice, reconciliation and reparation. set all free is liaising with government, statutory bodies and community groups and is eager for a faith-based dimension to all aspects of the commemoration.

Partnership is at the heart of the set all free agenda and it is willing to work with those who are comfortable with its explicitly Christian ethos. It is sustaining and expanding a network of over 500 groups and individuals ? many of whom have an interest in commemorating the bicentenary to some degree.

set all free is also working to co-ordinate events for 2007 to ensure best practice, strategic planning and the avoidance of duplication.

set all free
Churches Together in England: http://www.cte.org.uk

London

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