The Church of Scotland Addresses Its Historical Ties to Slavery with a Formal Apology
In a significant move acknowledging its past, the Church of Scotland has issued an official apology for its historical involvement in chattel slavery. Expressing profound remorse, the Church committed to exploring reparative actions as a step towards addressing the enduring impact of its actions.
During the General Assembly in Edinburgh, the apology was adopted, recognizing both direct and indirect benefits the Church gained from the slavery system. It also noted the role some members played in justifying slavery with theological arguments prior to its abolition in the British Empire during the 1830s.
The statement of apology read, “We repent, committing ourselves to changing course and bearing fruit worthy of repentance.”
A new working group is to be established by the Church in collaboration with communities still bearing the effects of slavery’s legacy. This group will focus on recommending future actions.
The Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, presenting the apology, described the occasion as “a humbling moment” and “a gracious opportunity to say we are sorry.”
“The history we consider today continues to shape our world in ways we cannot ignore. Its consequences touch communities near and far, influencing the structures, attitudes and inequalities that persist around us,” she emphasized.
She further remarked, “The legacy of slavery stretches like a shadow over our local, national and global landscape.”
The apology clarified that acknowledging this history is not about assigning blame, but rather about being faithful to the truth and initiating healing processes.
The Church acknowledged the ongoing influence of slavery on racial inequality and contemporary lived experiences.
Delegates from Africa and the Caribbean were present during the Assembly and reacted to the apology with both support and demands for tangible actions.
Rose Wedderburn, General Secretary of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, commended the Church’s “courage” in facing its past.
“For many in the Church of Scotland, this report has been an eye opener,” she observed.
“While the process has understandably evoked deep emotions – the effort invested in truth-telling and honest engagement is worthwhile. And we pray it will continue to bear fruit in greater understanding, healing, justice and reconciliation.”
Rev Dr Victor Okoe from Abbey Trinity Presbyterian Church in Ghana expressed hope that the Church would steadfastly follow through on its apology commitments.
His Eminence Dr Ekpenyong Akpanika, Prelate and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, cautiously welcomed the Church’s direction.
“Real acknowledgement should lead to real repair and better relationships,” he stated.
“For this to happen churches in the global north and the global south need to move past all patterns of control and build a partnership of respect, shared leadership, justice and equality. True reconciliation takes more than just words.”
The apology and accompanying report were the result of extensive consultations with church members, ministers, and people of African descent. This included international engagement, such as a pilgrimage to Jamaica and dialogue with partner churches in the Caribbean.
The Church noted that the process has enhanced its understanding of how slavery’s legacy continues to shape modern institutions, attitudes, and inequalities.
The General Assembly stated that the newly formed working group would engage with communities affected by these legacies to identify suitable responses and actions in the near future.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
