Level Seven - Challenging Christian Thinking

THE MOUNTAIN WITHIN
Date: 12/11/2008

FAITH AND BUSINESS
Do They Mix?
Date: 30/6/2008

FAITH AND HEALTH
Is There a Link?
Date: 8/4/2008

Is Religion Good For Women?
Date: 31/1/2008

Is God “Green”?
Date: 27/11/2007

Nobody Knows
Date: 5, 6 & 7 Oct 2007

"Faith and Politics"
Do They Mix?
Date: 5/7/2007

“LET MY PEOPLE GO”
Date: 3/4/2007

How to avoid another Enron
Date: 30/1/2007

DISCRIMINATION
How Do We Fight It? Is Litigation the Answer?
Date: 17/10/2006

The Terminally Ill Life
What Value?
Date: 27/9/2006

Da Vinci Decoded
Date: 28/6/2006

“LET MY PEOPLE GO”

Level Seven debates the churches role in Slavery

An old store house for Sugar, a building purpose built for the slave trade, now the Museum in Docklands was the venue on April 3, 2007 for Level Seven’s debate “Let my people go.” which examined the Church’s role in the Enslavement of Africans.

As part of the commemoration of the bicentenary of the Abolition of the slave trade, Level Seven asked the questions; has the church been more responsible for enslaving rather than emancipating Africans? What is the role of the church in dealing with the legacy of slavery?”

The debate was introduced with the staging of an extract from the drama “Nobody Knows” written by Mervyn Weir. This provided a striking illustration of some of the issues and tensions between the Church and slavery. The extract featured a dialogue between Olaudah Equiano the slave who bought his freedom and went on the write his autobiography, and a priest.

The panel of presenters were according to Dr. Gifford Rhamie, Lecture in Theology at Newbold College in Berkshire, “well chosen with a variety of backgrounds that complimented each other”. The panel members were, Linda Ali, member of the house of Laity of the Church of England General Synod, Professor Richard Ennals of Kingston Business School, Lee Jasper, The Mayor of London’s director for equalities and policing and Dr. Robinson Milwood, author and Methodist minister.

Each presenter was able to draw in the audience with their knowledge and perspective, reminding the group of the church’s role in the enslavement of Africans, with the church on one hand owning slaves and teaching them that submission to their masters was the biblical mandate, while also playing a major part in the abolition of the slave trade and slavery. We were reminded of the on going legacy of enslavement, both in the form of the economics of the UK and the disconnection of a large group of people. The panel agreed that history books were largely silent on this huge issue, which is unacceptable. According to professor Ennals, “The truth is shameful, but unless we retrieve this we are not true to history.”

The topic stirred emotions and there was passion in the dialogue between the panel members and the audience, agreeing that there was more need for dialogue and that according to professor Ennals, “both Blacks and Whites need each others help in knowing where they are from”. Lee Jasper expressed that “Africans have got to create their own history, and take ownership, not waiting for their history to be written for them.” Geneviere from Ghana asked a poignant question, “How can Africa help bridge the gap and heal the wounds?” There was general consensus that way forward must be through dialogue and education.

In summing up Marge Lowhar, who chaired the debate, closed with the challenge, “It’s not enough to just talk about these issues; we have to ask ourselves what difference am I going to make.”

Eric Lowe, executive secretary of the Adventist church in United Kingdom expressed: “This evening is a forceful reminder of being open, of the importance of listening to others to get a more rounded view.” Some questions were answered and many were raised. The debate continued well into the evening as the guests gathered for drinks.

Level Seven continues to be a forum for challenging discussions about relevant contemporary issues from a Christian perspective and for networking with people who want to make a difference in society.

- Kirsten Øster-Lundqvist

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