World Methodist Council urges former colonial powers to issue formal apologies and commit to reparative justice for historical atrocities of slavery and colonialism
The Steering Committee of the World Methodist Council (WMC), meeting in Accra, has called on former colonial powers to issue formal apologies and commit to reparative justice for the crimes of slavery and colonialism.
During its three-day meeting, the Committee endorsed the 15-point Accra Proclamation of 2023 and CARICOM’s 10-point plan, both of which demand accountability from European nations for historical mass crimes linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
The WMC said reparative justice must include formal apologies, debt cancellation, and long-term investment in health, education, and technology in Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.
The call was made after the Committee’s visit to the Cape Coast Castle, a former slave trading post. Standing at the “door of no return,” members described the site as “an abomination to God” and a painful reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty.
“As Christians, we ask forgiveness from God and humanity that God’s message of liberation was turned into a tool of slavery,” the statement said. The Council added that John Wesley’s ethical principle — to “do no harm, and to do good” — remains a timeless guide for transforming unjust systems.
The WMC Steering Committee pledged to:
• campaign for reparations across all member churches;
• support governments and institutions working towards restorative justice; and
• insist that political systems reflect fairness, justice, and human dignity.
The Committee also expressed condolences to Ghana following the recent tragic deaths of government and military officials, offering prayers for the nation.
Founded in 1881, the World Methodist Council represents over 80 million members in 132 countries across 83 Methodist, Wesleyan, and related churches. The Steering Committee oversees the Council’s global operations.
