Archbishop Tours Ghana Castle, Confronts Church's Slave Past

Archbishop Sarah Mullally has reaffirmed the Church of England's commitment to a £100m fund aimed at addressing the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Her pledge came during a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, a historic site where enslaved Africans were held before being transported to the Americas.

During her visit, the Archbishop toured the dungeons and the "door of no return" at Cape Coast Castle, expressing deep emotion over the horrific conditions and the evil of slavery. She acknowledged the Church's complicity, stating that repentance requires action and that the fund will support affected communities.

This initiative follows a historical audit that revealed significant investments in companies involved in slave trafficking. The £100m fund is intended for investment, research, and engagement in communities impacted by the slave trade. However, the fund has encountered vocal opposition, with some questioning historical reports and raising legal and ideological objections.

Ghana has been advocating for global reparations from institutions and nations that profited from the slave trade. The country's foreign minister welcomed the Archbishop's visit, suggesting it could influence internal discussions within the Church of England regarding its historical role.