October
2007
Slavery
During
October 2007 Churches Together were involved in two events which
not only commemorated the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave
trade but also remembered the continuing traffick in people around
the world.
At the
beginning of October the Rt Hon William Hague spoke to a packed
Hambledon Forum about the role of William Wilberforce in the abolition
of the slave trade. Highlighting his determination to continue
with Wilberforce’s chosen mission, Mr Hague set the historic
context for the campaigning work of the MP in an entertaining and
informative talk. Afterwards there was a further opportunity to
talk to Mr Hague as well as look at the stalls which related to
reflections on the continuing effects of slavery (Set All Free)
and the continuing trafficking in people (CHASTE). There was also
a display representing the effect of debt on people’s lives.
At the
end of October the Community was involved in a performance of ‘CARGO’ -
a musical illustrating the fight for freedom in music, words, dance
and images. Paul Field, the composer of the musical was there in
person to perform the songs. He was supported by an Ecumenical
choir with members from many of the surrounding churches and dancers
from Northallerton College who movingly portrayed the plight of
young women exploited in modern trafficking. There was a large
appreciative audience from the area who were challenged to assess
the role of our modern lifestyle in 21st Century slavery. |