Tens of thousands of voices from churches around the globe were expected to take a public stand Sunday, Feb. 18, against modern-day slavery by singing the hymn Amazing Grace.
More than 2,500 churches from a range of denominations had committed to pray for freedom for those still the victims of slavery, and to sing the hymn to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the end of the slave trade in England.
The National Association of Evangelicals and the National Council of Churches were two organizations encouraging members to participate.
In a letter on the NAE's Web site, interim NAE president Leith Anderson asked members to spend a few moments during their Sunday service to “speak for the oppressed.”
“From forced child labor to bonded labor and sexual servitude, millions are suffering and need evangelicals to speak out on their behalf,” Anderson said. “We believe your involvement in this effort is a signal of the NAE's continuing commitment to fight to end modern-day slavery.”
The global event was linked to Amazing Grace, a new film that champions Wilberforce, the politician who pioneered legislation to abolish the British slave trade.
Religion News Service