Image by telegraph.co.uk
The Church of England is under renewed pressure to enhance its reparative measures after Archbishop Justin Welby disclosed that his ancestor owned enslaved individuals on a Jamaican plantation. This revelation has reignited discussions about the church’s historical ties to transatlantic slavery.
Richard Reddie, the Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, commented on the significance of the disclosure, stating that it highlights the enduring connection between both the Church and society to the legacy of African chattel slavery.
Archbishop Welby revealed that his great-great-great-grandfather, Sir James Fergusson, owned enslaved people at the Rozelle Plantation in St. Thomas, Jamaica. Following the abolition of slavery in 1836, Fergusson received £3,591 in compensation from the British government, a sum that would amount to over £3 million today. This compensation was part of a £20 million fund allocated to slave owners for the loss of their “property” when slavery was abolished.
The archbishop, who discovered the identity of his biological father, Sir Anthony Montague Browne, through a DNA test in 2016, emphasized that he had no relationship with him and did not inherit any wealth from his estate.
Reddie pointed out the stark contrast between the compensation received by slave owners like Fergusson and the absence of reparations for the enslaved Africans who worked on the plantations, stating, “We know the archbishop’s ancestor, but we don’t know the story of the enslaved Africans that toiled and often died on his plantation.” He urged for more education regarding the history of slavery to help address these historical injustices.
In a heartfelt statement, Archbishop Welby expressed his deep remorse over the revelations and reaffirmed his commitment to confronting the Church of England’s involvement in transatlantic slavery. Reflecting on his recent trip to Jamaica, he acknowledged the lasting impact of enslavement in the Caribbean and the responsibility owed to those still affected by its consequences.
The Church of England initially pledged £100 million to confront its legacy related to slavery. However, after criticism that this amount was insufficient, the Church Commissioners have now set a more ambitious target of £1 billion for a comprehensive healing, repair, and justice initiative.
Archbishop Welby reiterated the Church Commissioners’ dedication to conducting thorough research, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the deeper stories within the archives. “I give thanks to God for this journey towards healing, justice, and repair, as we take the path that Jesus Christ calls us to walk,” he stated, underscoring the Church’s commitment to addressing its historical ties to slavery.
