English bishop signs statement of regret for trans-Atlantic slavery

Published: 2007-01-16

LONDON (CNS) -- An English Catholic bishop has signed a statement of regret over the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton joined political, business, trade union and Christian leaders in signing the statement Jan. 12 in Bristol, England. The statement is one of a number of events held this year to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the British abolition of the slave trade in 1807, the first step in totally abolishing slavery. Signers said they "cannot imagine the pain and suffering inflicted upon millions of individuals and families and the significant changes forced upon thousands of communities in Africa, the West Indies and other places by slavers of whatever race or faith." They said they "give thanks for those who struggled to initiate this change and look to a time when slavery of every kind is abolished." The statement also was signed by Anglican Bishop Mike Hill of Bristol and the Rev. Ward Jones, chairman of the Bristol District of the Methodist Church.

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