Black Theology Forum

This month, the Black Theology Forum invites you to an evening of historical reflection and discovery as we explore Black history preserved within the archives of the Church of England in a forum titled: ‘Routes in the Records: Church of England’s Black History at the Archives’.  Through archival records, storytelling, and critical reflection, this forum will uncover the lives, struggles, and legacies of Black figures whose stories remain deeply connected to the history of faith, freedom, resistance, and the Church.

It will be an evening of thought-provoking presentations:

Faith in Baptism: Esther Smith and the Pursuit of (Religious) Freedom, by Dr Annabelle Gilmore

Between The Rock and “a hard place”: The “betrayal” of Samuel Crowther, by Kwesi Ochosi

The evening will also explore the Church Commissioners’ historical links with transatlantic chattel enslavement and highlight significant records held within the archives that help preserve these histories for future generations. It is an opportunity to engage with hidden histories, reflect on the complexities of the Church of England’s Black History, and consider how archives can serve as spaces of memory, truth-telling, and ongoing dialogue.

Join us for an evening of rich conversation as we trace routes through the records and encounter stories that continue to shape our understanding of faith, history, and justice today.

For more information, visit https://www.queens.ac.uk/study-routes/black-theology/black-theology-forum-1/