Church Moderator to take part in ecumenical pilgrimage to Jamaica

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will take part in an ecumenical pilgrimage to Jamaica to learn about the legacy of slavery.

Themed around repairing relationships, there will be an emphasis on spiritual reconciliation, as well as meetings with partner churches, the country's Prime Minister and other prominent politicians.

The group will learn about the continuing impact of historic chattel slavery in Jamaica, the repercussions of which still affects lives for the worse globally hundreds of years later.

In the past slavery was justified through appalling stereotypes which still fuel racism today, and learning about this will help those taking part to consider how to confront our difficult past as well as affirming the ongoing relevance of the issue.

Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton will also preach at St Andrew's Scots' Kirk in Jamaica.

She will be joined on the visit by Rev Dr Elijah Obinna, who is the Racial Justice Convener for the Church of Scotland, as well as colleagues from the Scottish Episcopal Church including their Primus, Most Rev Mark Strange.

The Moderator of the United Reformed Church, Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson will take part along with others from URC and staff from Christian Aid.

The hosts are the Christian Reparations Action Forum (CRAF), an ecumenical body confronting their own legacy of the large amounts of land that Jamaican churches inherited from former plantations.

The visit comes following the presentation of a report on the Church of Scotland's material links to slavery at last year's General Assembly.

A motion passed by the General Assembly, also last year, instructs the preparation of "a statement of acknowledgement and apology for the Church's involvement and connection to historic chattel slavery".

Going to Jamaica will help to shape this statement, which is likely to be presented to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2025.

Those from the Church of Scotland on the pilgrimage will also visit every presbytery to discuss their findings with local church members.

Speaking about the visit, Ms Foster-Fulton said:

"The legacy of enslaving millions of black Africans is something we are still living with today.

"It impacts on everyday Jamaicans, be it in the form of housing inequality, land ownership, education and economics.

"It impacts everyday racism and discrimination in the UK.

"Whole industries in Britain can trace their wealth and roots back to the enslavement of black people.

"It is hoped the trip, whilst challenging, will help us reflect on how our history unites us with the peoples of the Caribbean.

"If Church of Scotland members can see the continued relevance of slavery, then we might collectively come to view work in this area as a spirit-led opportunity, allowing us a chance to face our past and forge a new future that champions justice for all."

Each denomination involved is at a different stage of their journey exploring links to slavery, but all wish to share their findings and encourage others to engage with the issues too in both the UK and Jamaica.

Those taking part will express their support for a seven point plan which has been devised by the Churches' Reparations Action Forum (CRAF) as a spiritual vision for what repair might look like for Jamaica and the Caribbean more widely.

Rt Rev Sally Foster Fulton will depart for Jamaica on Thursday 4 April and return later in the month.