Fresh evidence of C of E’s role in enslavement uncovered as church wrestles with reparations debate
Summary
The Church of England is examining its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade after new evidence revealed that 45 Church of England clergymen financially supported the Royal African Company, a major slaving group. The archbishop of Canterbury visited a site in Ghana linked to enslaved abolitionist Ottobah Cugoano and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to addressing this history.Key Facts
- The Royal African Company (RAC) was responsible for transporting more enslaved Africans than any other organization in the slave trade.
- The newly digitized Register of British Slave Traders shows 45 Church of England clergymen invested in the RAC.
- Some clergy, like Henry Brydges, bought shares while holding important church positions.
- Profits from slavery supported communities across Britain and financed churches and public institutions.
- The Church launched Project Spire, a £100 million fund aimed at helping communities affected by slavery’s legacies.
- Project Spire mainly addresses historical investments in the South Sea Company, linked to enslaving about 45,000 Africans.
- Church leaders and historians say the church’s involvement in slavery raises questions about its efforts to make amends.
- The Church faces internal debates about reparations and how best to address this part of its history.
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