Bristol commemorates abolition of slavery

Catholics from Bristol took part in the launch of Abolition 200 - the city's year-long commemorations marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Marie Hackett, a parishioner at city-centre parish, St Mary-on-the-Quay is a member of Bristol City Council's steering group preparing for this year's events. She attended the launch on Tuesday 27 February. She said: "Slavery is a word with very painful resonance. It evokes memory of domination, power over the weak, cruelty and the worst form of injustice. It has left many deep wounds in the hearts of many people. "We are working hard today to forgive these past aberrations and looking to the future with hope that the new generation will live in a better world without discrimination. "We hope that they will be allowed to grow and blossom in the belief that in the eyes of God we are all equal. We must do all we can to eradicate modern slavery through respect for the human person so that there is no repetition of the past." "I was very pleased to have Father Robert King, the Clifton Diocese Interfaith Officer as my guest at the launch of Slavery 200 at the Colston Hall. It was good to have a member of the Catholic clergy representing our Clifton Diocese at such an important event." Fr Robert said: "I was delighted to represent the Clifton Diocese at the vibrant concert and opening to the Abolition 200 events in Bristol. "In celebrating the gift of life from God may we always strive to respect human dignity and put an end to all modern forms of slavery that strip us of our humanity." The launch event included a concert by African Soul Rebels. If you would like to find out more about Bristol's abolition of the slave trade bicentenary commemorations see: www.bristol.gov.uk/abolition200 Source: Clifton Diocese