Black Theology in Britain: A Reader

Black theology as a self-named discipline and a radical form of Christian practice emerged in its present form in the USA in the 1960s. It has grown out of the experiences of Black people of the African Diaspora as they have sought to re-interpret the central ideas of Christianity in light of their experiences. But Black theology is not simply a North American affair. If Black theology can be defined as the radical re-interpretation of the revelation of God in Christ, in light of the struggles and suffering of Black existence in order that de-humanised and oppressed Black people might see in God the basis for their liberation, then there has been a form of Black theology in operation in Britain since the epoch of slavery. It is, therefore, most timely that this seminal volume should come to fruition in 2007. 2007 marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in Britain. Although there has been a Black presence in Britain since Roman times, the often troubled existence of Black people in Britain can be traced to the Elizabethan era and the influx of Black slaves from Africa and the Americas. This text seeks to outline the development of Black theology in Britain from the 18th century through the contemporary era. By means of re-investigating popular texts and previously unpublished, groundbreaking material, the editors offer a comprehensive and challenging interpretation of the development of an eclectic and distinctive voice that is Black theology in Britain.