William Wilberforce was born in 1759, the son of an English merchant. While studying at Cambridge University he formed a lasting friendship with the future prime minister, William Pitt . Attracted to politics, Wilberforce became a member of parliament at age 21. His rowdy and riotous lifestyle changed completely however when 4 years later he became a Christian, and in 1784 joined a prayer group known as the Clapham Sect. His Christian faith prompted him to become interested in social reform, a particularly the improvement of factory conditions in Britain. He undertook efforts to ‘renew British society’ including the organizing the Society for the Suppression of Vice and an association for the Better Observance of Sunday. He championed the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and was instrumental in encouraging Christian missionaries to go to India.

But it was the fight to end the slave trade that captured the passion and eloquence of William Wilberforce. He and others began campaigning for an end to the trade in which British ships were carrying black slaves from Africa, in appalling conditions, to the West Indies as goods to be bought and sold. The sale of slaves was an enormously profitable business and a cornerstone of the entire British economy.

But it was Wilberforce’s convictions as a Christian that persuaded him to lobby for the abolition of the slave trade – and for 18 years he regularly introduced anti-slavery motions in parliament, only to have them defeated to the abundant scorn and derision of his peers. Undeterred, he and the members of the Clapham Sect raised public awareness of their cause distributing pamphlets, books, holding rallies and circulating petitions.

The work was so discouraging. Wilberforce’s health gave out often, as he suffered from not one but two nervous breakdowns. Finally in 1807 – just 200 years ago — the slave trade was abolished in the British Empire. Wilberforce retired from politics at age 66, and died on July 29, 1833, shortly after the act to free slaves in the British empire passed through the House of Commons. He was buried near his friend William Pitt in Westminster Abbey.

The men of 2007 honor William Wilberforce, his determination, boldness and patience. His blend of prayer and action set the captives free. He is our first inductee in the Christian Men’s Wall of Honor.

Stand in the Gap 2007
Washington, D.C.
October 6, 2007