Uncovering the Past: Church of England and University of Liverpool Collaborate to Explore Historical Role in Slavery

Uncovering the Past: Church of England and University of Liverpool Collaborate to Explore Historical Role in Slavery

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool’s Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS) has partnered with the Church of England to delve into the Anglican church’s involvement in the institution of slavery. Led by Dr. Leona Vaughn and the Church of England Racial Justice Unit, this collaboration aims to educate both Church members and the wider public about the Church’s historical connections to slavery and colonialism. The initiative kicks off with an online seminar series featuring international experts, starting with the seminar ‘People not Property, Names not Numbers: the Church and Slavery’, scheduled for March 21st. This seminar aims to shed light on the Church’s historical relationship with slavery, its impacts, beneficiaries, and enduring legacies. Professor Stephen Small will moderate a panel discussion with esteemed speakers, fostering dialogue on this critical topic. Dr. Mary Booth expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its contribution to ongoing efforts to understand and address the church’s role in enslavement and its lasting effects.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 18-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool’s Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS) is working with the Church of England to explore the historical involvement of the Anglican church in the institution of slavery.

CSIS are working with the Church of England Racial Justice Unit, supported by Dr Leona Vaughn, (Slavery and Unfree Labour Research Fellow) to equip members of the Church, as well as the wider public, with the knowledge to confront and address this difficult history and the historic role of the church in slavery and colonialism.

This collaboration begins with an online seminar series involving international experts to provide an insight into the breadth of knowledge about the Church’s role in this violent past within and outside of academia.

The opening seminar ‘People not Property, Names not Numbers: the Church and Slavery’, will take place online on Thursday 21 March at 4pm to mark both the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21st March) and International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (25th March).

This seminar introduces the audience to the historic relationship of the Church and slavery, the people who were impacted by it, who benefited from it and explores the long-lasting legacies of this area.

Professor Stephen Small will be moderating a panel of speakers including Prof Catherine Hall, Prof Robert Beckford, Dr Alice Kinghorn, Dr Rachel Cosgrave and Mr Krzysztof Adamiec.

Dr Mary Booth, Programme Manager for the Centre for the Study of International Slavery said: “We are thrilled to work with the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit on this programme to bring scholars, academics, and researchers from all backgrounds together to discuss this critical topic.

“This series will contribute to the ongoing work locally, nationally and internationally to uncover the historical role of the church in enslavement and develop understanding of the lasting legacies of this violent past

You can register for the online event on Thursday 21 March here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hlcschool/t-xmjpmre

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool