Liverpool Cathedral Presents 'Slavery & Repentance' Photography Exhibition

‘Slavery & Repentance, African Enslavement and the Church: Voices of the unheard in a space shaped by silence’ will run from March 18th to April 6th.

The photography exhibition will delve into the complex history of the Cathedral and its connection to the transatlantic slave trade while amplifying the voices of the African heritage community.

As part of our centenary year celebrations, we are embracing the opportunity to confront the past and engage in meaningful dialogue with the local community. The exhibition sheds light on the Cathedral’s contested heritage monuments linked to the enslavement of Africans, acknowledging a part of our history that is not a source of pride and a call to repentance and reconciliation.

Photographs featured in the exhibition capture the reflections and insights of people of African heritage within both the Cathedral community and the wider city of Liverpool. These voices offer invaluable perspectives on how to navigate the complexities of the Cathedral’s history and work towards repentance and repair.

Reflecting on the significance of this exhibition The Very Revd Dr. Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, shares, “Liverpool Cathedral is committed to recognizing its past links to the trade in enslaved Africans and endeavouring to lament and repair those connections. Through this photographic exhibition, we aim to encounter the diverse nature of our community, fostering dialogue and understanding as we strive for a better future together.”

The exhibition is part of Liverpool Cathedral’s ongoing efforts to address its historical ties to the trade in enslaved Africans and promote racial and social justice. Collaborating with the Diocese of Liverpool’s Slavery Truth Project, the Cathedral seeks to identify and scrutinize its connections to the slavery economy while fostering reconciliation within the community.

With objectives ranging from strengthening links with the local L8 community to raising awareness of the impact of racism on individuals and community, the exhibition serves as a platform for dialogue, education, and healing. By confronting uncomfortable truths and celebrating the resilience and dignity of marginalized communities, Liverpool Cathedral aims to contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

Join us at Liverpool Cathedral from March 18th to April 6th as we embark on a journey of reflection, repentance, and renewal through the “Slavery & Repentance, African Enslavement and the Church: Voices of the unheard in a space shaped by silence” photography exhibition. Entrance to the exhibition and Liverpool Cathedral is free.

For a full list of dates, please click here