Issue 13 Preaching across CulturesBlog | Preaching, politics and power
Preaching, politics and power
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 24.12.17
Ten years ago, I was privileged to attend a service at Westminster Abbey to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. The abolition of the slave trade across the British Empire was a watershed moment in history and paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery itself in 1834.
Attending this service were many who, like myself, are descendants of slaves, as well as a few descendants of prominent abolitionists and some who work in contemporary antislavery agencies. One key guest was the Queen who was to give a speech to acknowledge and condemn Britain’s involvement in slavery.
Memorably, the Queen’s speech was interrupted by a protester, a descendant of slaves, who shouted loudly and drowned out much of the Queen’s speech before he was forcibly removed from the Abbey.
Following the service, opinions about this protest were sharply divided. Some felt that this protest was in poor taste and, crucially, undermined the Head of State just as she was about to get fairly close to offering an apology for Britain’s involvement in slavery. For many that key moment, for which they had waited for most of their lives, was ruined.
