Upper West Side Church To Host Apology Service For Slavery

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — An Upper West Side cathedral is hosting a service this weekend centered around apologizing for slavery.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located at 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, will have the Diocesan Service of Apology for Slavery from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The aim of the service is to make steps "toward atonement for this foundational American crime against humanity."

"Perhaps less well-known are the roots and out branches of slavery and the exploitation of enslaved people by The Episcopal Church in New York City," reads a news release about Saturday's service. "Churches in the city were constructed by the labor of enslaved African Americans, whose descendants were routinely refused equal participation in worship, even after Emancipation."

Along with the Service of Apology, the Diocese has pledged to continue fighting against racism and bigotry with the institution of a $1.1 million fund, through which the Reparations Commission will "work to repair the historic and contemporary damage done to people of African descent."

The Service of Apology for Slavery will be held in person at the Cathedral and livestreamed on its website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. All are invited to take part.