Church of England should aim to raise 拢1bn to address historic links to slavery, group warns

In January last year, the Church of England set up a funding programme to address its historic links to the transatlantic slave trade.

Monday 4 March 2024 13:44, UK

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A 拢100m fund set up by the Church of England to address its historic links to slavery is "too small and too slow", a new report has said.

Last year, the Church of England set up a programme to invest in, research and engage with communities who were adversely affected by its historic links to the transatlantic slave trade. Over a nine-year timeframe, it earmarked £100m.

However, a new report penned by an independent group of advisers commissioned by the C of E has judged the money "insufficient".

Instead, the oversight group called for a target of £1bn, saying the £100m sum was "very small compared to the scale of racial disadvantage originating in African chattel enslavement". The group also called for the money to be rolled over in a faster timeframe.

The Church Commissioners said that the C of E accepted the report in full and that the £100m was a "seed investment" which they hoped would attract outside investment towards the £1bn target.

Initial links within the church to the slave trade originate from Queen Anne's Bounty, a fund used to supplement the income of poor clergy that was also used to invest heavily in the South Sea Company, which traded in slaves in the 18th century.

The fund also received a number of donations that the church said were likely to have come from people linked to, or who profited from, slavery and plantations.

Amongst its recommendations, the oversight group also called for separately funded research to reveal "the full picture" of the church's involvement in slavery.

Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and chairwoman of the oversight group, said: "No amount of money can fully atone for or fully redress the centuries-long impact of African chattel enslavement, the effects of which are still felt around the world today.

"But implementing the recommendations will show the commitment of the Church Commissioners to supporting the process of healing, repair and justice for all of those across society impacted by the legacy of African chattel enslavement."

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