Why is the Scottish Episcopal Church doing this work?
We want to understand and acknowledge our historic links to the transatlantic enslavement of African people. This is part of our Christian calling to truth-telling, justice, and reconciliation. It means listening carefully to how the past continues to shape the present.
What is the Legacy of Slavery Working Group?
The Working Group has been established by the Scottish Episcopal Church to support research, listening, and engagement across the Church. Its role is to help us learn together, to hold historical and theological questions side by side, and to approach this work with care, integrity, and humility.
Who is this invitation for?
This invitation is for the whole Church — clergy, congregations, and individuals.
What are you asking us to do?
We are inviting churches and individuals to reflect on their own stories and to share anything that may help us understand how this history has shaped our communities.
This might include records, financial documents, memorials, photographs, local histories, memories handed down through families, or simply questions and reflections.
A helpful starting point may be:
- setting aside time at a vestry or congregational meeting,
- identifying whether your church holds any historical records and where they are kept.
What if our church has no obvious links?
Not every congregation will uncover direct connections to the enslavement of African people. Sharing that you have looked and found little is still valuable. Reflection itself matters, because this history shaped the wider Atlantic world in which the Church lived and grew.
Do we need to be experts or historians?
No. This work is not about specialist knowledge. It is about curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to listen and reflect.
What will happen to the information we share?
All contributions will be treated with care and confidentiality. Information will be handled responsibly and in line with data protection requirements.
Will this lead to blame or judgement?
This work is about truth-telling with humility and care. It is not about personal accusation. It is about honestly examining how the Church — and those who held people in slavery or benefited from systems built upon enslavement — were entangled in practices that caused profound harm. As Christians, we face that truth not to condemn, but to discern how we are called to live differently today.
Will this lead to apologies or restitution?
This work may raise important questions about acknowledgement, apology, and repair. These will be approached carefully and prayerfully as the Church continues to listen, learn, and discern together.
How can we get support?
The Working Group can offer guidance, resources, and support for conversation and reflection. You can get in touch at any stage.
Who should we contact?
For questions, resources, or to share information, please contact:
Miriam Weibye, Church Relations Officer
churchrelations@scotland.anglican.org
Dr. Simon Buck, Research Officer
simon.buck@scotland.anglican.org
Rev Aaron Moffat-Jackman, Convener
