Fighting Injustice With Art and Faithნიმუში

Real change often begins when public opinion reaches a tipping point. In 1787-1788, numerous social and literary events occurred to create such a moment for the transatlantic slave trade.

People from all walks of life began to unite, mobilizing public opinion across all levels of society: the rich and the poor, people from different political parties, people in the Church and outside the Church. This demonstrates the power of collective action and how our efforts, when united, can lead to monumental shifts in society.

Historical Highlight:

The change that started to shift people's views toward slavery didn't happen overnight, nor did it happen by accident. Several key factors contributed to this historic moment: a former African slave named Olaudah Equiano (pictured below) living in London publishing an influential book. He shared his story of being a slave in the Caribbean after being sold to slavery in Nigeria. His writings impacted people throughout Europe.

Activists, with the help of women like Hannah More and the famous Member of Parliament William Wilberforce, gathered thousands of names for petitions to Parliament. The former slave ship captain John Newton who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, finally spoke out about the evils of slavery. These combined efforts, and many more, showed how creative ideas and the written word can generate a groundswell of public sentiment can demand change to right wrongs.

Action Point:

Reflect on an issue of injustice in the world that touches your heart. Pray that God would energize the movement to right this wrong and that He would do it in his time, empowering people to creatively and effectively address the injustice.