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Slave trader memorial in Cornwall church 'clashes with Christianity' | Slave trader memorial in Cornwall church 'clashes with Christianity' |
(25 days later) | |
Falmouth-born Thomas Corker worked for the Royal Africa Company in Sierra Leone before returning to his hometown | Falmouth-born Thomas Corker worked for the Royal Africa Company in Sierra Leone before returning to his hometown |
A memorial to a 17th Century slave trader in a church in Cornwall "clashes starkly" with the message of the Christian Gospel, church leaders say. | A memorial to a 17th Century slave trader in a church in Cornwall "clashes starkly" with the message of the Christian Gospel, church leaders say. |
The marble plaque and eulogy to Thomas Corker are in a prominent position in King Charles Church, Falmouth. | The marble plaque and eulogy to Thomas Corker are in a prominent position in King Charles Church, Falmouth. |
The Diocese of Truro said it glorified the "despicable" slave-trade. | The Diocese of Truro said it glorified the "despicable" slave-trade. |
It said a consultation under way about the memorial's future had seen slow progress, but there was "now a renewed energy to resolve the issue". | It said a consultation under way about the memorial's future had seen slow progress, but there was "now a renewed energy to resolve the issue". |
Falmouth-born Corker died in the town September 1700, aged 31. | Falmouth-born Corker died in the town September 1700, aged 31. |
A translation of the Latin inscription can be seen in the church | A translation of the Latin inscription can be seen in the church |
Amateur historian Kate Thomas said Corker worked for the Royal Africa Company in Sierra Leone, marrying into a local royal family, before coming back to Falmouth after being sacked, bringing slaves back with him. | Amateur historian Kate Thomas said Corker worked for the Royal Africa Company in Sierra Leone, marrying into a local royal family, before coming back to Falmouth after being sacked, bringing slaves back with him. |
She said she was among campaigners to have it removed, but added it should not be hidden because "history shouldn't be lost and children should know Falmouth's real history". | She said she was among campaigners to have it removed, but added it should not be hidden because "history shouldn't be lost and children should know Falmouth's real history". |
Slave trader monument torn down in Bristol | Slave trader monument torn down in Bristol |
Campaigners rename streets linked to slave owners | Campaigners rename streets linked to slave owners |
Study finds Cambridge University 'benefited from slavery' | Study finds Cambridge University 'benefited from slavery' |
The diocese said the memorial about the "despicable transatlantic slave-trade clashes starkly and profoundly with the message of the Christian Gospel". | The diocese said the memorial about the "despicable transatlantic slave-trade clashes starkly and profoundly with the message of the Christian Gospel". |
It said it had "heard the heartfelt sentiments of the black community" and others, including a direct descendant of Corker. | It said it had "heard the heartfelt sentiments of the black community" and others, including a direct descendant of Corker. |
The Diocese of Truro said the Coker memorial could be contrasted with that of Joseph Emidy to educate people | The Diocese of Truro said the Coker memorial could be contrasted with that of Joseph Emidy to educate people |
A temporary notice had been placed beside the memorial, written in Latin, about its "contested heritage", it added. | A temporary notice had been placed beside the memorial, written in Latin, about its "contested heritage", it added. |
The church said it was looking, as part of the consultation started last year, if it should remain "to be used educationally", particularly in contrast with a nearby memorial to Joseph Emidy, a black musician and freed slave who had strong associations with Falmouth, and had a "hugely contrasting" story. | The church said it was looking, as part of the consultation started last year, if it should remain "to be used educationally", particularly in contrast with a nearby memorial to Joseph Emidy, a black musician and freed slave who had strong associations with Falmouth, and had a "hugely contrasting" story. |
Reverend Canon Bill Stuart-White, vicar at King Charles, said he had "every sympathy with those who would like to see it gone, [but] I personally don't agree that's the best way forward. | Reverend Canon Bill Stuart-White, vicar at King Charles, said he had "every sympathy with those who would like to see it gone, [but] I personally don't agree that's the best way forward. |
He said: "We would welcome further discussions on how best to do it, because, if we are to use it educationally, then we need all voices to be involved." | He said: "We would welcome further discussions on how best to do it, because, if we are to use it educationally, then we need all voices to be involved." |
Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk, external. | Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk, external. |