March 25 marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slave trade by the British Parliament. This anniversary gives us here in Bermuda an opportunity to reflect upon the enormity of their achievement, and to give thanks to God for those many persons who helped to bring this to pass.

That privileged English men and women cared enough about the fate of African men, women and children who were wrenched from their homes and taken thousands of miles to work in servitude for the financial benefits of others is highly commendable.

This they did out of their Christian commitment. We recognise and offer thanksgiving for the courage and tenacity of such persons as William Wilberforce, John Newton and Granville Sharp.

Though slavery did not end for another 20 years or so, the significance of their achievement is great indeed.

Two hundred years later it is a sad and horrid fact that slavery still exists in many parts of the world. It is said that at least 12 million persons are enslaved in one form or other around the world. The main victims of this evil trade are women and children who are exploited for sexual purposes.

It is a lucrative business, because there is a demand for them, and also because the enslaved are easily procured and dispensed with when they outlive their usefulness.

This is true of other forms of slavery as well. This is an intolerable state of affairs and must cease forthwith.

One way for us in Bermuda to do something about this is to lend support to the Break The Chains campaign organised by The Royal Gazette.

This and other means need to be employed so as to ensure that all those presently enslaved are set free.

Both prayer and action can be a powerful means of achieving the freedom of those enslaved.

The Rt. Revd. Ewen Ratteray

Bishop of Bermuda