26/03/2025
Our journey began with detailed research into the Church Commissioners’ historical connections to African chattel enslavement, which we published in January 2023. This led the Church Commissioners to make a significant commitment of £100 million towards a long-term response programme of healing, repair, and justice.
An independent ‘Oversight Group’ of experts from academia, theology, social justice, and community leadership was appointed to make recommendations to the Church Commissioners on how this response programme should be developed. In November 2023, the Church Commissioners' Board formally accepted the Oversight Group’s report, whose detailed recommendations were published in March 2024. This marked an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to acknowledge and address the lasting legacies of enslavement.
Over the past twelve months, specific workstreams have been established to prepare to implement these recommendations. A dedicated Theology Workstream has engaged deeply with Scripture and Church traditions to clarify how genuine repentance and reconciliation shape our ethical responsibilities today. A Governance Workstream has initiated foundational planning for a potential charitable entity – provisionally referred to as the Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice – subject to appropriate regulatory approvals, to ensure sustainable and lasting support.
Additionally, an Impact Investment Workstream has explored a perpetual investment model aimed at supporting communities that continue to face the injustices stemming from the legacy of African chattel enslavement. A Grant-Making Workstream has begun to outline processes for culturally competent, targeted funding to grassroots initiatives.
Our Research, Engagement, and Communications efforts have facilitated ongoing dialogue through events, briefings to Church of England parishes and its General Synod, and collaboration with Anglican leaders globally. We have strengthened our compliance measures, built strategic partnerships, and conducted site visits to Ghana and the Caribbean to deepen understanding and collaboratively address challenges.
We remain committed to transparent reporting, outcome-based monitoring, and sustained engagement with those affected by the Church Commissioners’ historic involvement with enslavement. Our path forward continues to be shaped by valuable insights from members of the independent Oversight Group, alongside the leadership provided by the Church Commissioners’ Board – including Bishops, Clergy, and Lay members. Together, we aim to honour the past and contribute meaningfully to healing, repair, and justice, benefiting present communities and future generations alike.