The Anglican Church of England plans to raise a £1.27 billion ($1.7 billion) compensation fund through the support of wealthy families and donors. This fund will be dedicated to addressing the historical exploitation of the Church’s properties during the transatlantic slave trade. The funds will not be used for individual compensation, but rather for implementing projects that aim to promote understanding and healing from the wounds caused by slavery. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, affirms that no amount of money can undo the wrongs of the past, but this initiative is a step towards acknowledging the Church’s historical involvement in slavery and working towards building a better future through repentance and healing.

In 2020, the Anglican Church of England became the first Christian denomination in the country to formally recognize and accept its historical connections to slavery. As part of this acknowledgment, the Church conducted a thorough investigation into its involvement with the transatlantic slave trade. The results of this investigation were made public, and it was revealed that the Church would allocate more than £120 million ($160 million) over a ten-year period to promote a greater understanding of its role in slavery. This new compensation fund is a further step in the Church’s commitment to addressing and making amends for this dark chapter in its history.

It is important to note that the funds raised through this appeal will not be used for direct compensation to the descendants of the victims of slavery. Instead, they will be distributed among various missions and cathedrals of the Church. These institutions will then use the funds to implement projects aimed at healing the wounds inflicted by enslavement. The objective is to foster a sense of collective healing and reconciliation across the entire nation of Great Britain. By investing in these projects, the Church hopes to contribute to the process of healing and make a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by slavery.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, acknowledges that no sum of money can fully repair the immense suffering endured by the African diaspora and the lasting consequences felt globally. However, he believes that this initiative is a crucial step towards repentance and building a future in which the Church is committed to healing the wounds caused by slavery. The Church aims to learn from its past, confront its historical connections to slavery, and work towards a better future by actively engaging in the process of healing and reconciliation.

This bold initiative by the Anglican Church of England sets a precedent for other Christian denominations and organizations to acknowledge and address their historical involvement with slavery. It serves as a reminder that acknowledging past wrongs is a necessary step towards healing, reconciliation, and creating a more just society. By taking responsibility for its past actions and committing to meaningful change, the Anglican Church of England is providing a powerful example of how institutions can confront their dark legacies and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.