This page includes frequently asked questions about reparation and the work of the Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees' Reparation Working Group.

What is reparation?

Reparation is a process of justice, healing and growth that seeks meaningful amends for the harms of transatlantic African chattel enslavement and its continuing impacts today.

Why does language matter?

The Britain Yearly Meeting Reparation Working Group uses language that centres the humanity of people affected by enslavement. Terms such as “enslavement," “enslaved people" and “the trafficking of Africans across the Atlantic" emphasise violence, agency and continuing legacy rather than treating enslavement as an identity.

Historic language is retained in direct quotations and existing titles. Our evolving language reflects a commitment to dignity, honesty and justice. Read more in the papers below:

What does the Working Group do?

The Quakers in Britain Trustees' Reparation Working Group was established in autumn 2023 with Terms of Reference from Trustees. Appointed for between three and five years, it is due to be laid down in December 2027. Its scope includes British Quaker involvement in:

  • the enslavement of West Coast Africans, their trafficking across the Atlantic, their ownership by British Quakers on plantations, and their economic exploitation
  • the legacies left by this enslavement in the lives of people in the Caribbean
  • the impact of enslavement on the West Coast of Africa from where the enslaved were trafficked
  • the development of Quaker colonies in North America and their impact on the indigenous peoples of Turtle Island
  • the economic exploitation of workers by Quaker chocolate companies
  • Quaker banking and other dynasties founded upon wealth linked to the economy of enslaving

We recognised from the outset that we would not have the capacity to address every legacy of the British Empire.

The group has four workstreams:

  • Historical Research: Telling the truth about British Quakers' involvement in enslaving, colonialism and economic exploitation.
  • Financial Workstream: Considering the financial approach to reparation
  • Networking and Listening: Learning from, partnering with BYM Friends, Friends around the world, faith groups and other organisations involved in reparation activism.
  • Theological Research: Understanding the theological arguments used to justify enslavement.

You can read more about the work of the Reparation working group in the July 2026 Report.

For our most up to date work please check our meeting minutes.

How can Friends can become involved?

Friends can become involved by sharing updates, organising learning sessions, using the resources on this website, engaging in conversations with communities affected by historical harms, contributing examples of local initiatives, joining online drop-ins, or attending relevant events.

Monthly drop-in sessions are available online: Reparation Drop-in sessions – Fill in form

Friends can also attend Truth and Repair: Our Quaker Journey towards Justice on 23 October 2026, focused on historical and theological research: Truth and repair – our Quaker journey towards justice.


Michael Preston for Quakers in Britain | People listening to Edwina Peart (Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator, Quaker Church Affairs), during the meeting between Caribbean Faith Leaders from the Churches' Reparations Action Forum and Quakers in Britain staff at Friends House.