Dame Sarah Mullally’s £100m Reparations Fund Commitment

Archbishop’s Visit to Ghana

Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has reaffirmed her commitment to a £100 million reparations fund during a visit to Ghana. This fund aims to address the Church of England’s historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

The Archbishop’s visit to Cape Coast Castle, a former slave fort, was a powerful reminder of the institution’s past.

“We played a part in the transatlantic slave trade,” she acknowledged, emphasizing the need for action.

A Stark Reminder

The dungeons and the infamous “door of no return” at Cape Coast Castle left a profound impact on Dame Sarah. She reflected on the church’s role in the slave trade, noting the chapel above the dungeons as a stark illustration of this involvement.

The Church of England’s missionary arm once ran plantations in the Caribbean, and individual clergy members owned slaves. The church also received significant donations from slave traders.

Reparative Justice

The reparations fund, established three years ago, is intended for “investment, research, and engagement” in communities affected by the enslavement of African people during the transatlantic slave trade.

While the fund has faced opposition, Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, praised Dame Sarah’s commitment. He believes her actions will send a strong message to those within the Church of England who question the need for reparations.

The Archbishop’s visit to Ghana is a significant step towards addressing the past and promoting reparative justice.