Fighting Injustice With Art and FaithNäide

Here’s an incomplete list of things the Clapham Group innovated in the years 1787 to 1788, which was huge moment in time for the abolition movement, and a massive example of God using the faith and creativity in His church to address injustice:

• Hannah More released “Slavery” a long poem that highlighted the humanity of slaves and the injustice to black bodies and the terror inflicted upon women and families through slavery.
• They organized 103 petitions with close to 100K signatures.
• The group helped publish, distribute and tour Ottobah Cugoano’s book about his experiences as a slave, which went through 3 printings in 1787.
• Thomas Clarkson (who we met in yesterday's devotion) finished his long trip to slave ports and reported back what he saw, which greatly shaped perceptions of just how evil slavery was.
• They created thought leadership pieces and op-eds in newspapers.
• They Wrote the first mail-out newsletter.
• They distributed history’s first direct-mail fundraising letter with an appeal to nearly 2000 people in 39 countries to request a contribution to the cause.
• They released Josiah Wedgwood’s Am I Not a Man and Brother, which some consider the first political pin or logo used for a political cause

When you think of all that creative work, mobilized to address injustice, it's truly inspiring. It's a historic reminder that we truly can "do all this through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13, NIV).

The above list of creative action were seeds planted that grew a harvest of justice and righteousness in England and across the world.

Be encouraged today that the acts of creativity and faith we take in the name of Jesus truly do matter!

Action Point:

Write down a list of things that have been on your heart to create or do. Don't despise small things. Dream with God about how you can bless others in your family or community.