The abolitionist campaignsChristian view of slavery
In the late 18th century abolitionists led by William Wilberforce campaigned to end the trade in enslaved Africans. There was opposition to their movement from those who wanted the trade to continue.
Christians of the 18th century were divided on their opinions of slavery.
Many Christians thought that slavery was morally acceptable. Many also argued at this time that one of the benefits of slavery was that enslaved people learned to adopt Christianity and become more 'civilised'.
Opposition
Christian emancipators (people who wanted enslaved people to be set free) feared the anger of God over the sin of slavery. They saw slavery as unjust and evil, and campaigned to have it abolished.
Christian groups opposed to slavery found various ways of showing their opposition:
Quakers were early leaders in abolitionism (the campaign to ban slavery). In June 1783 a petition protesting against the slave trade was signed by over 300 Quakers and presented to Parliament.
John Wesley denounced slavery as the sum of all villainies and detailed its abuses in a pamphlet published in 1774.
At a sermon held in Dundee's Steeple Church in 1832 the Anti-Slavery Society was set up.
The Catholic Church also became critical of slavery during this time. In 1741 Pope Benedict XIV condemned slavery.
