Christian Men and Women

William Wilberforce

William Wilberforce was the leader of the movement to abolish (which means get rid of) the slave trade. At this time many people were being taken from places such as Africa and were being mistreated by their "owners". Wilberforce believed that no one man should own another. In 1785 he underwent a conversion experience and became an evangelical Christian, resulting in changes in his lifestyle and in his interest in being able to change things (also known as reform). He headed the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade until there was an Act of Parliament called the Slave Trade Act in 1807. This meant that slavery at this time was now illegal.

William worked very hard on charitable works. He believed that we should all help each other. He wanted many people to volunteer and shared with people his idea that we should all be responsible for each other. This was called social responsibility. William Wilberforce made sure that all men and women from different classes and backgrounds volunteered to work to end injustice for people living and suffering.

Some of the virtues that William Wilberforce displayed throughout his life were Justice, Courage (Fortitude), Faith and Hope.