Quakers Release Report Examining Denomination's Historical Ties to Slavery

Quakers in Britain released a report examining the denomination's historical ties to slavery, finding that early leaders used Christian teaching to justify enslavement rather than oppose it.

The report, titled "Examining our past to take action for the future," was produced by Woodbrooke for the Quaker reparation working group. It traced how Quakers in the 17th and 18th centuries participated in the slave trade and owned plantations, despite the denomination's later reputation as abolitionists.

Researchers found that early Quaker leaders developed theological arguments that framed slavery as consistent with Christian principles. The shift toward abolitionism came later, driven by a minority of members who pushed the broader community to change its position.

The report is part of a broader reparations process the Quakers have undertaken in recent years. The denomination has acknowledged that some of its historical wealth was built on enslaved labor and has been working to understand the full scope of that history.

Quakers are not alone in this kind of historical reckoning. Several other Christian denominations have undertaken similar reviews of their ties to slavery and colonialism in recent years, with some establishing reparations funds or making formal apologies.

The report includes recommendations for how the denomination can take concrete action in response to its findings.