ACNS: Anglicans fill the streets of London to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade
24 March 2007

As the Procession of Witness reached Lambeth Bridge, London, as part of a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in England, a large choir sang Amazing Grace, the hymn written by John Newton, himself a reformed slavemaster. It was from this bridge that some 2700 ships set sail on the first leg of a journey which would ship slaves and other cargoes between Britain, America and the West Indies. 2 out of every 10 slaves died on the ships.

The pier lies in the shadow of Lambeth Palace, home to successive Archbishops of Canterbury. A wreath was laid on the River Thames as the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams prayed, “..grant to all those who inherit this history of greed and cruelty, that we may be brought to newness of life, reconciliation and commitment to you and one another..”

The marchers , led by Archbishops , gathered in Clapham, south London, home of the Clapham Sect and such Christian leaders as William Wilberforce, and at Whitehall near Parliament, in central London. The two groups converged on Kennington Park, after a walk of an hour, for a 2 hour programme. the rest