2007 marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in England, an achievement in no small part due to the tireless efforts of legislator and fervent Christian believer William Wilberforce. Look for the release of a feature film, Amazing Grace: The Story of William Wilberforce, from Walden Media, starring Albert Finney and produced by Ken Wales, to commemorate the anniversary.

The scene was extraordinary in the British House of Commons! The date was February 23, 1807. Supporters of the slave trade had their say, but now others were clamoring for the opportunity to speak for the motion for abolition. Finally, an eloquent speech was given in tribute to William Wilberforce himself, which brought the house to its feet. After years of discouragement, in which pleas for abolition were scorned or ignored, the motion passed by an overwhelming vote of 283 to 16. William Wilberforce's battle had spanned 20 years.

As a new convert to Christianity in 1784, William Wilberforce, a member of the House of Commons since 1780 at the age of 21, seriously considered getting out of politics to better pursue spiritual growth. But ex-slave trader John Newton, then a pastor, convinced him that his most important spiritual duty was to stay where he was in the rough and tumble of the political world and there live out his witness for Christ. On October 28, 1787, after a conversation with Newton, Wilberforce made a memorable entry in his diary: "God Almighty has placed before me two great objects: the suppression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners (morals)."

Wilberforce's methods of pursuing these life goals offer a valuable model for Christians in any era who seek to address the burning issues and evils of their day (see pages 2-3).

The Wilberforce Model for Effecting Change in a Society

Wilberforce and his colleagues, particularly those known as the "Clapham group," set out to abolish slavery, a task that had to seem impossible at the time, since slavery played such a vital role in the functioning of the English economy. But they succeeded. Their principles, approach and strategy are very informative and provide valuable guidelines for Christians and the Church in any era that seeks to make a major difference in the world. Here is a brief overview of how they went about their herculean task.

Set clear goals.
Specific goals were set. No ambiguity here. Wilberforce's life goal was succinctly stated in an entry in his diary dated Sunday, October 28, 1787: "God Almighty has set before me two great objects, the suppression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners." (By manners Wilberforce was referring to the moral climate of his day).

Know the Biblical and theological basis that motivates your cause.
It is so important to get beyond personality issues, political party, and prejudicial preferences. If there is a Biblical teaching at stake, make sure the work has been done to ensure that your interpretation of the Bible is solid and the application is legitimate.

Have confidence in the cause and the truth.
Can a small minority make a big difference? The Wilberforce group thought they could, even though the task seemed overwhelming at first. With the slave trade so essential to the economy then, who would have given them any chance of succeeding? But they were convinced of the rightness and righteousness of their cause and confident they could in time prevail. A study of movements in history reveals that a small minority can provide the "tipping point." It is estimated that Christians represented less than 10 percent of the Roman Empire in 313 when the Edict of Toleration reversed government policy and gave the church legal standing in the empire.