Archbishops' reflections on the slave pits in Zanzibar

February 2007: Zanzibar: in an award-winning short film, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York reflect on a visit to the Anglican Cathedral in Zanzibar; built on the site of the port's slave market. Slave pits have been preserved intact, including the chains used. On Saturday March 24th both Archbishops took part in a Walk of Witness in London, marking 200 years since the UK's abolition of the slave trade. This film was shown at the rally concluding the march. It shared the 2007 IPTV Jerusalem Trust Award for internet provided media content.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Archbishop
• Canterbury
• York
• Rowan
• Williams
• John
• Sentamu
• Zanzibar
• slavery

[Lairor]

Amazing Grace is generally an overplayed hymn but it was very appropriate in the setting given John Newton's history in the slave trade.

[scampsuzi]

I suggest you engage your brain before opening your mouth!

[sirharryflashmanVC]

Nice use of the apostrophe.

[ZanzibarMagic]

Zanzibar

This is the finest place I have known in all of Africa to rest before my final journey.

An illusive place where nothing is as it seems.

I am mesmerised......

David Livingstone, 1866

[Kalydosos]

Slavery happened because we black people didn't have advanced weapons to defend ourselves. Even though we had sophisticated political and religious institutions before Islam and Christianity. Blighted the continent the man with the best gun makes the rules. If you have good weapons predatory groups won't take advantage of you its about power not colour.

[ebenyz]

nice video clip.........the slave trade was responsible for the state of underdevelopment africa is in up to the present day.....People in developed countries still look down on africans because of the slave mentality they still habour...This is responsible for the increasing reports of racial abuse all over the world....

[waterja]

This was an interesting film. Wouldn't it be great if the Archbishops posted regular videos on topical issues? It would act as a focal point for ethical and political debates, and maybe inspire people to engage in issues, maybe even from a Christian perspective. I look forward to more.

[tonguelovermike]

nealeadams needs to check his history. The Church of England did not "undertake the movement for the abolition of slavery". Wilberforce and the Clapham Sect won the abolition of salvery in spite of opposition and even mockery from Church of England bishops.

[boozle33]

Forget political correctness, what about compassion? The church is about love, forgiveness and acceptance. We all know other nations played, and continue to play, a larger role in the slave trade. Does that mean we should forget the role we took? This video avoids anger and politics, instead focusing on reflection and understanding, perhaps you should do the same.

[tonguelovermike]

An excellent and important film. Well done for putting it on YouTube. I too struggle with the Anglican Church as a PCC member, but this film is an example of why it is not moribund. Let's stop the traffik!