Wilberforce Anti slavery Campaign

Discussion thread: leadership guided change

After reading the Case Study of Wilberforce Anti-slavery Campaign, suggest Christian Strategies for managing change in the public sector. Apply at least 1 biblical passage that speaks to change. Explain why you picked the passage and what it means to you.

Although the British Empire abolished the slave trade during the early 1800s, it required another 16 years after the passage of the 1807 Slave Trade Act for the Wilberforce Anti-Slavery Campaign to commence (Colonialism and politics of Empire, 2023). The founder of the campaign, William Wilberforce, is little known today but his efforts to end the slave trade in Britain place him among the ranks of other great leaders who stood up for what was right even when it was unpopular or even dangerous to do so. In this regard, Manning (2007) reports that, “An 18th-century man who could join their ranks but of whom people probably know little is William Wilberforce (1759-1833), a British politician, philanthropist and abolitionist who led the parliamentary campaign against the lucrative slave trade” (p. 19).

Given the high stakes that were involved in his efforts and the turbulent political environment at the time, it is reasonable to suggest that Wilberforce was compelled to act by a fundamental sense of right and wrong. For example, Manning notes that, “The slave trade was defended by its supporters on the grounds of the money Britain made from it - and that if Britain abandoned such trade, then France would gleefully and greedily seize it” (p. 19). While this eventuality did not occur, the actions that were taken by Wilberforce and his like-minded compatriots in mobilizing public sentiment against the slave trade were central to its successful outcome. For instance, one historian points out that, “Wilberforce led the campaign for the abolition of the slave trade in Parliament, whilst the Abolition society collected evidence and organized petitions. Leaflets, songs and badges were distributed to rally public opinion” (William Wilberforce, 2023, para. 3)

Indeed, although the New Testament does not specifically condemn slavery, it does make multiple references to broader principles of justice, equality, and love that can be applied to the issue of slavery. In fact, many Christians over the centuries have used these principles to argue against the practice of slavery and to work for its abolition. As Manning points out, “[It has been] 200 years since the passing of a bill that led to the end of the British slave trade, and is a tribute not only to Wilberforce but to principle, perseverance and how one person with passion rooted in compassion can make a difference” (p. 19).

With respect to biblical guidance on these issues, the New Testament speaks directly to the problem in Galatians 5:1 (ESV) where it states, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” This guidance was not in the abstract but rather specifically directed at the institution of slavery itself as well as those who profited from it. In sum, the passage in Galatians 5:1 emphasizes the freedom that comes with being a follower of Christ. Likewise, Galatians 5:13 (ESV) makes it clear that being Christians also meant serving others: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” This passage serves as a useful reminder for modern Christians that while they have freedom in Christ, this freedom should not be used as an excuse to indulge in selfish behavior, but rather to serve one another in love.