How could the Methodist Church respond to its historical links to the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people and the ongoing impact today?
Have your say this autumn. You could:
Host your own discussion
Download guided session material to run a conversation in your church or small group.
This guided session is designed to support a local church or small group to facilitate their own engagement with this topic. After the session, you are invited to submit reflections and suggestions to a consultation process. Insights gathered will help inform recommendations and actions to be considered by the Methodist Conference in July 2027.
The session material includes:
- Prayers
- Activities to explore history, contemporary legacies and theology
- A chance to feedback into the nationwide consultation
Feedback will be taken from these sessions until Sunday 15th November 2026. If a session is held after this date, feedback can still be received, but it will not be contributed to the formal consultation process.
The guided session resource will be available to download mid-September.
If you'd like to receive an email when the resource is available, please register below (we won't use your details for any other purpose - see our privacy notice)
Online session for facilitators
If you're planning to host a session, join online facilitator training run by the Learning Network to gain practical tips for leading conversation on this important and sensitive topic. This session will look at:
- Creating a safe and welcoming space for discussion.
- Supporting people with a range of perspectives, experiences, and emotions.
- Facilitating thoughtful and productive conversations.
- Gathering feedback that will help shape the Methodist Church’s future response.
The next sessions will take place on:
Thursday 8th October, 7-9pm
Thursday 22nd October, 6-8pm
The link to book your place will be available here soon.
Join an event
Join an in-person or online interactive event to explore the Church's history, consider how its legacy continues to shape our church and world, and discuss what meaningful action might look like now. These events are for anyone connected with Methodist churches and communities who would like to learn more, listen to different experiences and contribute to shaping the Church's response.
Online
Thursday 15th October 7-9pm
Wednesday 11th November 7-9pm
The link to book your place will be available here soon.
In-person
York, at Priory Street Centre, Saturday 10th October 11am –3pm The link to book your place will be available here soon.
Bristol, at The New Room, Saturday 14th November 11am – 3pm The link to book your place will be available here soon.
Fill out the survey
Share your thoughts and ideas about how the Methodist Church in Britain could respond to this work in an online survey. Insights gathered from this survey will help inform recommendations and actions to be considered by the Methodist Conference in July 2027.
The survey will be available here in October 2026.