Legacies of Slavery
In 2026, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland adopted and presented a formal apology for the Church's historical links to transatlantic chattel slavery. The apology acknowledged that the Church benefited from slavery, that some of its members and office-bearers provided theological justifications for slavery, and that the legacies of slavery continue to shape experiences of race and inequality today. The Church expressed that it was "grieved beyond telling" by the suffering caused through its actions and inaction and committed itself to repentance, learning and change. The Assembly also agreed to establish a new working group to recommend appropriate next steps in partnership with those who continue to be affected by the legacies of slavery.
The apology followed a multi-year process of historical research, theological reflection, consultation across the Church, and engagement with partner churches in the Caribbean and Africa. It represents an important milestone in the Church's commitment to truth-telling, racial justice, reconciliation and repair, while recognising that this work is ongoing.
We cannot talk about racism and transforming unjust structures in society without also considering the legacies of slavery. The forced movement and exploitation of millions of African men, women and children across the Atlantic generated immense wealth while causing profound human suffering. The social, economic and cultural consequences of this history continue to be felt today.
The transatlantic slave trade was built upon ideas about racial hierarchy that dehumanised people of African heritage and sought to justify their exploitation. Many of the assumptions and attitudes that continue to fuel racism have roots in this history. Understanding these legacies is therefore an essential part of the Church's commitment to racial justice and faithful witness in the present.
Join the Legacies of Slavery Working Group
Following the adoption of the apology, the Church of Scotland is establishing a new Legacies of Slavery Working Group to help shape the next phase of this work. The group will consider how the Church responds to the ongoing legacies of slavery and will make recommendations on matters including repair, reconciliation, partnership, education and racial justice. This work will be undertaken in dialogue with those who continue to live with the consequences of slavery's legacy.
We are seeking nominations from people with a range of experiences, perspectives and skills. We particularly welcome nominations from those with expertise or lived experience relating to racial justice, theology, history, education, international partnerships, community engagement and organisational change.
The Church is committed to ensuring that the group reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and encourages nominations from people of all backgrounds.
Nominations are now open.
Expression of Interest Form
Applications open on 01 October 2026.
Completed forms must be submitted by 17:00 (UK time) on 20 October 2026.
Understanding the Church's History
The Church's apology was informed by extensive work undertaken to better understand its historical relationship with slavery and its continuing impact. Research examined physical evidence of connections to slavery within Church buildings and heritage, the extent to which the Church and its members benefited from wealth generated through enslaved labour, and the continuing cultural legacy of slavery within the Church and wider Scottish society.
This work revealed that some ministers and members benefited directly and indirectly from slavery, while also highlighting the wider ways in which Scottish economic and social life was intertwined with wealth derived from enslaved labour. The research further demonstrated that attitudes supporting slavery were not universal and that many individuals within the Church contributed to abolitionist movements and campaigns for emancipation.
The Church affirms that slavery, past and present, is incompatible with the Gospel and with the belief that every person is made in the image of God.
Listening, Learning and Partnership
The apology and accompanying report were shaped through engagement with congregations, presbyteries, ministers, members of African heritage and international partners. An ecumenical pilgrimage to Jamaica and ongoing relationships with churches in the Caribbean and Africa helped inform the Church's understanding of how the legacies of slavery continue to affect communities today.
Through consultation and dialogue, the Church heard calls for honest acknowledgement of the past, deeper engagement with racial justice, stronger international partnerships and a commitment to education and ongoing learning. These conversations reinforced the importance of moving beyond historical awareness towards practical action, relationship-building and repair.
From Apology to Action
In adopting the apology, the General Assembly recognised that words alone are not enough. The Church has therefore committed itself to ongoing work that deepens understanding of its historical links with slavery and addresses the continuing impact of those legacies.
This includes:
- Establishing a Legacies of Slavery Working Group to recommend future actions and approaches to repair and reconciliation.
- Continuing to develop resources for congregations, presbyteries and church groups.
- Supporting conversations about racial justice and anti-racism across the Church.
- Building and strengthening relationships with partner churches in the Caribbean and Africa.
- Encouraging learning about Scotland's and the Church's historical involvement in transatlantic slavery.
- Exploring appropriate responses to the continuing social, economic and cultural effects of slavery's legacy.
The presentation of the apology represents an important milestone, but not the end of this journey. The Church of Scotland remains committed to listening, learning and working alongside others to address the enduring consequences of slavery and racism in ways that contribute to justice, healing and reconciliation.
Modern-Day Slavery
The Church's work on historical slavery is closely connected to its opposition to modern slavery and human trafficking. We believe every person is made in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth. The buying, selling, exploitation and abuse of human beings are contrary to the will of God.
The Church of Scotland joins Christians and organisations across the world in working to prevent modern slavery, support survivors and promote justice, freedom and human dignity.
Resources
The Legacies of Slavery programme has produced a range of research, consultation materials, theological reflections and educational resources documenting the Church's journey from historical investigation to apology and action.
These resources support congregations, presbyteries and individuals in understanding the Church's historical connections to transatlantic slavery, reflecting on the continuing impact of that history, and engaging in conversations about racial justice, reconciliation and repair.