What role did Baptists play in the abolition movement?

An ambitious exhibition of previously unseen original texts, manuscripts and artefacts which document the history of the slave trade will open in the Angus Library and Archive at Regent's Park College, Oxford next week.

The exhibition, Slavery: The Historical and Modern Perspectives, sheds more light on the role Baptists played in the abolition movement. It includes intriguing items such as pictures of the Jamaica Mission of Revd William Knibb (1803 - 1845); abolitionist poetry; slave ship images; and items relating to the slave rebellion of 1832. Visitors will also be encouraged to contemplate modern issues of slavery and human rights. 

It launches on Thursday, 31 October, and two free talks will be run in conjunction. The first is also on 31 October (5.30pm), when Rod Leith, of Anti-Slavery International will speak on "Modern Slavery".

On 28 November Professor Cora Kaplan, Honorary Professor of English at Queen Mary, University of London and Professor Emerita of English at Southampton University, will take a more historical perspective.

College librarian the Revd Emma Walsh said, 'This exhibition raises the profile of the role Baptists took in the abolition of slavery. Many of the artefacts have never been seen before.

'In doing so it's highlighting Baptist involvement in world history and social justice.'

The exhibition is open on Thursdays and runs until December.

Both the exhibition and the talks are free.