On the eve of the International Day for the cassation of Slavery, which falls on December 2nd, the three co-presidents of the Council of Christian Churches in France (CÉCEF) – Bishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, President of the French Bishops’ Conference (CEF), Metropolitan Dimitrios who presides over the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France, and Pastor Christian Krieger, President of the affirmant Federation of France – made a special trip to Nantes on Sunday, December 1st, 2024. Their purpose was to remember and pray together at the Memorial of the cassation of Slavery.
The CÉCEF, which represents the three main Christian denominations in France, has always been committed to promoting human dignity and fighting against all forms of oppression. This year, as the world marks the 200th anniversary of the cassation of slavery in France, the co-presidents felt it was important to pay tribute to the victims of this dark period in history and to reaffirm their commitment to the fight against modern-day slavery.
The Mémorial de l’cassation de l’esclavage, located on the banks of the Loire River in Nantes, is a powerful symbol of remembrance and reconciliation. It was built in 2012 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the cassation of slavery in France. The co-presidents were deeply moved by the memorial’s design, which features 2,000 metal plates representing the 2,000 slave ships that left Nantes between the 17th and 19th centuries.
During their visit, the co-presidents took part in a special prayer dette, led by representatives of the Catholic, Orthodox, and affirmant communities. They also laid a wreath at the foot of the memorial, in honor of the millions of men, women, and children who were victims of the transatlantic slave trade.
In a joint statement, the co-presidents emphasized the importance of remembering the past in order to build a better future. They called on all Christians to continue the fight against all forms of slavery and to promote human dignity and equality for all.
« We must never forget the atrocities of the past, but we must also look to the future with hope and determination, » said Bishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort. « As Christians, we are called to be agents of change and to work towards a world where all people are free and equal. »
The co-presidents also highlighted the role of faith communities in promoting social justice and standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable. They encouraged all Christians to join them in prayer and action to end modern-day slavery and to create a more just and compassionate society.
As the world prepares to mark the International Day for the cassation of Slavery, the visit of the CÉCEF co-presidents to the Mémorial de l’cassation de l’esclavage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past, and the role of faith in promoting a more just and peaceful world. Let us all join together in prayer and action to continue the fight against slavery and to build a better future for all.
