There is much to report on in terms of what happened at this year's General Assembly in Edinburgh. It was a shortened gathering that was packed full of reports, events and conversations. Over the coming weeks, I will be reflecting on what was approved and what wasn't. But to begin with, I wanted to highlight the Legacies of Slavery report.
In our Presbytery we have spent some time on this subject and we have been encouraged through that to reflect on what it means for us locally, as well as what it means for people today, who are still impacted by the transatlantic chattel slave trade. I have appreciated being able to learn more about the current day situation in countries where plantations grew up and seeing the creative ways in which local congregations have explored their own histories. I have also appreciated the theological work that has been done to underpin making an apology as a Church, with all the questions that arise from that.
On Saturday, the committee presented its report. In presenting the apology, the Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton said this was "a humbling moment" for the Church and "a gracious opportunity to say we are sorry". She continued: "The history we consider today continues to shape our world in ways we cannot ignore. Its consequences touch communities near and far, influencing the structures, attitudes and inequalities that persist around us...The legacy of slavery stretches like a shadow over our local, national and global landscape...Naming that is not about blame, but about faithfulness – about recognizing that healing begins where truth is spoken."
After the deliverance was approved, the room was brought to silence, and we stood as our Moderator Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy read out the words of the apology. Together with other commissioners, I found it deeply moving to be in the Assembly Hall for that moment of repentance. But even more so, it was humbling to hear the response of delegates from Africa and the Caribbean, in which they spoke of the opportunity and responsibility that we have to go beyond words and into action. The challenge was issued - would our repentance bear fruit.
We are commanded to walk in all God's ways, as faithful followers of Jesus and as ambassadors for the gospel. This felt like an instance when we were indeed walking in all His ways.
If you would like to hear the debate, please watch the video. The apology can be found from 1:04:27.
Rev Stella