Dutch churches apologise for history of slavery

The confession of the churches came on Friday during the memorial for the abolition of slavery in Amsterdam.

The churches believe they have contributed to the continuation of slavery, did not stand up for the righteousness and freedom of others and that churches also took part in slavery by exploiting slaves in the past.

Inclusive

However, nowadays, churches have still not succeeded in becoming inclusive communities and standing up against racism and discrimination, René de Reuver, secretary of the Protestant Church of the Netherlands (PKN), said during the memorial service.

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Pastor Rosaliene Israël from the PKN in Amsterdam and Duncan Wielzen from the Diocese of Rotterdam stressed that the effects of slavery in the past are still visible in the current society. Young people with darker skin find it harder to find a job, and children of non-Western parents get sent to a lower level of education than their white classmates, Wielzen illustrates. Israël emphasises that churches should take responsibility, which goes beyond apologising and asking if things are okay again.

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Generation

In the future, churches will focus on helping people process past traumatic events. In addition, they will contribute to the education of the new generation concerning the history of slavery. “That is the duty for the present and the future”, Wielzen says.

Even though the majority of the churches approved slavery or at least kept silent about it, there were some of the old divines from the 18th century that expressed their doubt.

Forgiveness

The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, also offered an apology during Ketikoti, the memorial of the abolition of slavery. “Today, I stand here before you. As your king and as part of the government, I myself apologise today”, he said during his speech in Amsterdam. In addition, King Willem-Alexander asked for forgiveness for the “crime against humanity” of slavery.

Last year, the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also apologised for slavery. Now, Willem-Alexander referred to that and said there has been a beginning but that “there is also a long road ahead.”