Denomination Revisits its Abolitionist Heritage
Sep. 3, 2009
The Wesleyan Church has revisited its heritage in committing to a denomination-wide effort to abolish human trafficking.
The denomination, with over 10,000 pastors in 80 countries of the world, has a storied history of fighting for human freedom and justice. Born in the abolitionist movement of the 19th Century, The Wesleyan Church was active in the Underground Railroad movement and one of its churches was the scene of the first women's rights convention. Its Freedom's Hill Church, which has been restored as a historic display on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University, was targeted by 19th Century slave traders and its pastor faced hanging because of his protection of slaves.
The Wesleyan Church will offer a September 9, 2009, community information forum in Indianapolis, Indiana. The StAT (Stand Against Trafficking) forum will be followed by a September 10-12 abolish human trafficking training staffed by professionals from World Hope International. General Director of Wesleyan Women and "Hands of Hope" coordinator Martha Blackburn says the training will equip men and women with skills to help prevent trafficking and care for its victims.
