The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has renewed her commitment to a £100 million fund addressing the Church of England's role in the transatlantic slave trade. This reaffirmation occurred during her visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, a historical site where enslaved Africans were held before being transported to the Americas.
Dame Sarah's visit to the castle deeply moved her, prompting reflection on the institution's past actions. She stated, "We played a part in the transatlantic slave trade. That is clear." The fund aims to support communities still affected by the legacy of slavery, aligning with Christian principles of repentance through action.
This commitment comes as Ghana spearheads a global campaign for reparations from institutions and nations that benefited from the slave trade. The Church of England's missionary arm previously operated slave-farmed plantations in the Caribbean. Individual clergy members also owned slaves, and the Church received substantial donations from slave traders.
Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, praised Dame Sarah's actions. He believes her visit will send a strong signal to those within the Church of England who resist these efforts. Ablakwa emphasized that Christian teachings require admission of sins for salvation, highlighting the moral imperative for reparative justice.
The £100 million fund was established three years ago following an audit of the Church's historical endowment fund. This audit revealed significant investments in a company involved in slave trafficking. The fund's objective is to finance "a programme of investment, research and engagement" in communities harmed by the transatlantic slave trade.
Despite its stated purpose, the fund has encountered vocal opposition. Some critics question the historical accuracy of reports detailing the Church's complicity. Others have raised legal concerns and ideological objections regarding the initiative. These challenges underscore the complex nature of addressing historical injustices.
Dame Sarah's visit marks her first pastoral trip to Africa since becoming head of the Church of England in March. Reparative justice has been a central theme throughout her engagements in Ghana. Her presence at Cape Coast Castle, which came under British control in the 1660s, provided a stark reminder of the atrocities committed.
She toured the dungeons where enslaved people were held and witnessed the infamous "door of no return." Dame Sarah described the experience as deeply unsettling, stating, "You can't help but be deeply moved by the horrific conditions that people were kept in." She noted the presence of a chapel above the dungeons as a "stark illustration of the way the church was involved in the slave trade."
The Church of England has previously issued apologies for its historical ties to the slave trade. This renewed commitment to the fund signifies a tangible step towards addressing its past. The ongoing debate surrounding the fund highlights the broader global conversation about historical reparations and accountability. Ghana's persistent advocacy continues to push for meaningful action from institutions worldwide.