Archbishop of Canterbury Backs £100m Fund for 2026

The Archbishop of Canterbury has vowed to support a £100m fund helping communities affected by enslavement, reaffirming the Church of England's commitment to addressing historical injustices. During a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, Archbishop Sarah Mullally expressed deep lament for the Church's involvement in transatlantic chattel slavery and pledged continued support for the controversial fund.

Archbishop's Historic Visit to Cape Coast Castle

Sarah Mullally, the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the office, toured the 17th-century fortress where thousands of enslaved Africans were held before being shipped across the Atlantic. The castle, originally built by Swedish traders and later occupied by the Danish, Dutch, and British, now serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the slave trade.

During her visit, Mullally was shown the dungeons where enslaved people were kept in horrific conditions. She prayed in a former Anglican chapel above them and visited the "Door of No Return," where countless individuals were loaded onto ships. The site has since been renamed the "Door of Return" to symbolize healing and reconnection.

Church of England's £100m Fund for Affected Communities

The £100m fund, announced in 2023, aims to support communities affected by enslavement through investments and grants. The Archbishop's reaffirmation comes amid ongoing debates about reparations and the Church's historical role in slavery. Mullally stated, "Being at Cape Coast Castle today and seeing the horrific conditions that thousands of people were kept in, it is impossible not to feel the weight of the immense evil that drove the transatlantic slave trade."

The fund has faced both praise and criticism. Supporters argue it is a crucial step toward restorative justice, while critics question its scope and implementation. The Archbishop's visit underscores the Church's commitment to transparency and dialogue with affected communities.

Tour of Ghana and Cameroon: Engaging with Local Communities

Archbishop Mullally's 10-day tour, at the invitation of Archbishop Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, head of the Anglican church's west Africa province, included visits to four local parishes in Accra. She delivered the sermon at a special Eucharistic service at St Joseph the Worker Anglican church, officiated by an all-female clergy. She also met Ghanaian President John Mahama, along with her husband, Eamonn Mullally.

The tour highlights the Anglican Church's efforts to foster reconciliation and strengthen ties with African communities. Ghana's Year of Return initiative, launched in 2019, has attracted a surge of visitors from the diaspora, making the Archbishop's visit particularly timely.

Data and Comparison: Historical Context and Modern Reparations

Key Takeaways

• Archbishop Mullally's visit to Cape Coast Castle underscores the Church's acknowledgment of its historical role in slavery.
• The £100m fund is a tangible commitment to supporting communities affected by enslavement.
• The tour aims to strengthen Anglican relationships in West Africa and promote reconciliation.
• Renaming the "Door of No Return" to "Door of Return" symbolizes a new chapter of healing.

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