On July 26, 1833, William Wilberforce received news that the Slavery Abolition Act passed—a culmination of four decades fighting to abolish slavery in the British Empire—crediting the influence of John Newton, a former captain of slave ships! Disgusted with his role in the slave trade, Newton left the sea. Influenced by preachers John and Charles Wesley, he began Bible studies in his home, and eventually was ordained into Anglican ministry. For each Thursday evening prayer service, Newton wrote

In 1807, William Wilberforce published "A Letter on the Abolition of the Slave Trade." It cites Acts 17:26, “God hath made of one blood all nations.” Wilberforce also appeals to basic moral teachings from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, such as loving the neighbor as oneself, or doing unto others as we would have them do to us. Watch to learn more about William Wilberforce. | Museum of the Bible

William Wilberforce, born into wealth and influence, came to believe slavery was a “national crime”—for which all Englishmen were responsible! He wrote: “In the Scripture, no national crime is condemned so frequently and few so strongly as oppression and cruelty. . .” citing Ezekiel, Zephaniah, and Amos, ultimately igniting an unprecedented movement to abolish slavery in the British empire. John Newton’s hymn, “Amazing Grace,” associated with the abolitionist movement and William Wilberforce, wa