dlarn
02-25-2007, 08:40 AM
February 23, 2007
William Wilberforce: The power of one man dedicated to truth
At a time when freedom seems to be under attack from all sides, taking a stand for truth can be a lonely experience. It certainly was for William Wilberforce, yet his life is the story of one man who changed human history by his dedication to proclaiming the truth.
This is Jonathan Bechtle for the Evergreen Freedom Foundation.
Born in 1759, William Wilberforce gained an interest in politics early in life, being elected to Parliament at the age of 21.
After what Wilberforce described as a spiritual conversion experience in 1785, he met Thomas Clarkson a gentleman who opened his eyes to the true horrors of slavery. Wilberforce resolved to do something to end it. The lucrative slave trade was considered essential to the British way of life, however, making its abolishment a seemingly impossible task.
Undeterred, Wilberforce poured out his life to accomplish his goal. Year after year he introduced bills in Parliament to abolish the trade, only to have them voted down. For eighteen years he wrote and spoke constantly about the need for abolition of the trade. His persistence gradually shifted the public perception of slavery.
Two hundred years ago today, on February 23, 1807, Parliament finally passed a bill to abolish the slave trade throughout the British Empire. Wilberforce didn't stop there; convincing Parliament to completely abolish slavery in a bill passed three days before his death in 1833.
Wilberforce was a remarkable leader who tirelessly championed a few causes that were worth living and dying for. But his accomplishments took a lifetime of speaking the truth about issues people were not ready to hear, of building coalitions between unlikely partners, and of staying at the task when even friends and family got tired of hearing the same speeches.
On this day, the 200th anniversary of Wilberforce's triumph, Walden Media is releasing a film about his life titled "Amazing Grace." We encourage you to see this moving presentation of the power of ideas, of the difference one person can make by a lifelong dedication to the truth.
Information about the movie, including show times, is available on our website at www.effwa.org.
This is Jonathan Bechtle for the Evergreen Freedom Foundation.
Click Here For More Information About Podcasts.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our webmaster at cburres@effwa.org.
Permission is granted to republish, print or play audio, in whole or in part, with proper attribution. To schedule an editorial board meeting, radio interview or op-ed on this topic, please contact:
Booker T. Stallworth
Communications Director
Evergreen Freedom Foundation
P.O. Box 552, Olympia, WA 98507
Phone: (360) 956-3482, Fax: (360) 352-1874
bstallworth@effwa.org / http://www.effwa.org/
________________________________________
* Nothing in this email should be construed as an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation or ballot measure.
William Wilberforce: The power of one man dedicated to truth
At a time when freedom seems to be under attack from all sides, taking a stand for truth can be a lonely experience. It certainly was for William Wilberforce, yet his life is the story of one man who changed human history by his dedication to proclaiming the truth.
This is Jonathan Bechtle for the Evergreen Freedom Foundation.
Born in 1759, William Wilberforce gained an interest in politics early in life, being elected to Parliament at the age of 21.
After what Wilberforce described as a spiritual conversion experience in 1785, he met Thomas Clarkson a gentleman who opened his eyes to the true horrors of slavery. Wilberforce resolved to do something to end it. The lucrative slave trade was considered essential to the British way of life, however, making its abolishment a seemingly impossible task.
Undeterred, Wilberforce poured out his life to accomplish his goal. Year after year he introduced bills in Parliament to abolish the trade, only to have them voted down. For eighteen years he wrote and spoke constantly about the need for abolition of the trade. His persistence gradually shifted the public perception of slavery.
Two hundred years ago today, on February 23, 1807, Parliament finally passed a bill to abolish the slave trade throughout the British Empire. Wilberforce didn't stop there; convincing Parliament to completely abolish slavery in a bill passed three days before his death in 1833.
Wilberforce was a remarkable leader who tirelessly championed a few causes that were worth living and dying for. But his accomplishments took a lifetime of speaking the truth about issues people were not ready to hear, of building coalitions between unlikely partners, and of staying at the task when even friends and family got tired of hearing the same speeches.
On this day, the 200th anniversary of Wilberforce's triumph, Walden Media is releasing a film about his life titled "Amazing Grace." We encourage you to see this moving presentation of the power of ideas, of the difference one person can make by a lifelong dedication to the truth.
Information about the movie, including show times, is available on our website at www.effwa.org.
This is Jonathan Bechtle for the Evergreen Freedom Foundation.
Click Here For More Information About Podcasts.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our webmaster at cburres@effwa.org.
Permission is granted to republish, print or play audio, in whole or in part, with proper attribution. To schedule an editorial board meeting, radio interview or op-ed on this topic, please contact:
Booker T. Stallworth
Communications Director
Evergreen Freedom Foundation
P.O. Box 552, Olympia, WA 98507
Phone: (360) 956-3482, Fax: (360) 352-1874
bstallworth@effwa.org / http://www.effwa.org/
________________________________________
* Nothing in this email should be construed as an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation or ballot measure.