The film “Amazing Grace” is about an anti-slavery campaigner, but also of “the power of grace to change peoples’ hearts and then change the world,” said Rev. Nick Dill on Thursday evening.

Rev. Dill, pastor at St. John’s Church, Pembroke, was speaking after viewing the film, which tells the story of abolitionist William Wilberforce, at the Little Theatre.

The Anglican Church had rented the entire theatre for their congregation, which he said would be educational experience on many levels: faith-based, human rights and the power of money over people.

Rev. Dill said the Anglican Church has also dedicated every Wednesday Bible Study to discuss the historical, biblical history of slavery and also to focus on Bermuda’s involvement in slavery.

He added: “We will do this for five weeks until Easter and we will be having a service on March 25 for remembrance.”

Wilberforce, a devout Christian, had campaigned against slavery since 1787 in the face of supporters who argued it was the lifeblood of the British economy.

Wilberforce’s efforts to steer anti-slave trade legislation through the British Parliament two centuries ago finally succeeded in 1807 when a law against slavery finally passed.

After mass protests and slave rebellions, an act was passed in 1833, which abolished abolished slavery in all of the British colonies.

The Royal Gazette has been marking the 200th anniversary of the Slave Trade Act by calling for world leaders to help end various forms of human captivity continuing to plague the world today.

Our “Break the Chains” campaign is urging people to sign Anti-Slavery International’s online petition, which demands governments recognise at least 12 million men, women and children trapped in the modern slave trade.

This includes human trafficking, child labour, bonded labour and forced marriages.

Patricia D. Price, who attends St. John’s Church and watched the film on Thursday night, said: “I’ve given up bowling to come to this. I really think it’s important for Bermudians because it’s good to know our heritage, which is about slavery.

“I have grandchildren and it’s important to pass it down.”

Rev. Don Moore, who is not a moviegoer, added: “I came for the education and because it’s not a Hollywood spectacle. I think it’s an important topic for all races because I think there are some false ideas about history and I like that it also echoes of the modern slavery.”

So far, around 15,900 people have signed the Anti-Slavery International petition.

All you have to do to back the campaign is log onto the Internet and follow a few simple instructions on your computer screen.

Go to www.antislavery.org/2007/actionsign and fill in your details. To comment on the campaign, call 278-0153 or e-mail tsmith[AT]royalgazette.bm.