The Weight of Reparation: Archbishop’s Visit to Cape Coast Castle

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to the Cape Coast castle in Ghana, a former British fortress where thousands of enslaved Africans were held before being shipped across the Atlantic, served as a stark reminder of the Church of England’s complicity in transatlantic chattel slavery. The church’s acknowledgment of its dark past is a welcome step, but it also raises questions about the efficacy of reparative justice.

Dame Sarah Mullally’s predecessor, Justin Welby, formally apologized for the church’s role in the transatlantic slave trade three years ago. As part of this effort, the church has set up a £100m fund to support affected communities through investment, research, and engagement. However, critics argue that the amount is insufficient to address the generational damage caused by slavery, with some calling for an expansion to £1bn.

As Mullally walked the dungeons used to hold enslaved people, prayed in a former Anglican chapel above them, and visited the “Door of No Return,” she must have felt the weight of the immense evil that drove the transatlantic slave trade. But the question remains: what does this commitment mean for those who were forcibly taken from their homes, sold into bondage, and brutalized by systems of oppression?

The Church of England’s involvement in slavery is a stain on its history, but it also reflects a broader problem – the legacy of colonialism that continues to haunt communities across Africa. Ghana’s “Year of Return” scheme has seen a surge in visitors from the diaspora wanting to reconnect with their roots, highlighting the complexities of reparative justice.

While Mullally laid a foundation stone for a hostel belonging to the local church’s culture resort initiative, she was met with skepticism by some locals. Accra-based accountant Kenneth Mordzro believes that the church can play a greater role in reparation efforts, including returning stolen gold and artifacts taken during colonial times.

Ghana is spearheading a global campaign for reparative justice, hosting a landmark conference attended by heads of state from more than 80 countries last month. This gathering highlighted the need for collective action to address the legacy of slavery.

As the Church of England continues to grapple with its past, it must also consider the present and future implications of its actions. Will the £100m fund be enough to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by slavery? Or will it be seen as a tokenistic gesture, a mere apology without substance?

The church’s commitment to the fund is a start, but it is only a start. The Church of England must continue to listen to the voices of those who were impacted by its actions and work towards tangible reparations. Anything less would be a betrayal of the very principles of repentance that Mullally herself has spoken about.

As she heads to Cameroon next, Mullally must carry with her not just the weight of history but also the weight of responsibility. The Church of England’s legacy of slavery is complex, multifaceted, and ongoing. It will take more than words to undo the damage that has been done – it will take action, commitment, and a willingness to confront the darkness of its own past.

The world is watching as Ghana leads the charge towards reparative justice. The Church of England must follow suit, demonstrating its commitment through tangible actions rather than just words.