The World Methodist Council (WMC), a global fellowship of 83 Methodist, Wesleyan, and related Uniting and United Churches, recently gathered in Ghana for its annual meeting.
During the meeting, the council enumerated a 15-point plan in the Accra Proclamation 2023 and a 10-point plan drawn by the Caribbean Community, calling for reparatory justice programs and accountability from European countries that forced citizens into slavery.
The WMC is seeking a formal apology from former colonial powers acknowledging the atrocities of slavery and colonialism, as well as reparations through debt cancellation and investment in African, Caribbean, and South American countries.
The council also advocates for long-term investment in health, education, and technology in affected regions.
Bishop Deborah Wallace, President of the World Methodist Council, emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing historical injustices.
“We call on all member churches of the WMC to campaign for such reparations to take place,” she said.
“We insist that all human systems should aim at building just, fair, and humane relationships and structures.”
During their visit to Ghana, the WMC steering committee toured the Cape Coast Castle, a historic site that served as a hub for the transatlantic slave trade.
The committee was deeply moved by the experience, with Rev. Dr. Samuel, Youth President of the World Methodist Council, describing the dungeon under the chapel and the “door-of-no-return” as an abomination to God and all humanity.
The WMC steering committee also extended its condolences to the government and people of Ghana following the tragic death of government officials and military officers in a helicopter crash on August 6.
The World Methodist Council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, peace, and humanity.
“We call for each and every person on the planet to choose to do and be good, every day of our lives,” said Rev. Dr. Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Nato, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council.
“John Wesley’s ethical principle applies: choose to ‘do no harm, and to do good’.”
The WMC’s call for reparations and restorative justice is a significant step towards healing and reconciliation.
As the council continues to advocate for justice and peace, it remains committed to its mission of spreading God’s love and promoting humanity.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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