(BBC) Olney church to remember slave trader turned abolitionist

A church is to create an educational area about a slave trader who became an abolitionist.

John Newton was curate of St Peter and Paul’s Church in Olney, Buckinghamshire, between 1764 and 1780.

During that time he wrote the hymn Amazing Grace.

Churchwarden David Phillipson said the church was “not trying to glorify the slave trade” but rather educate people about Mr Newton’s work to help abolish slavery.

Thousands of people visit the church every year, prompting the plans for an educational space.

Proposals for the project were approved by the Church of England’s Consistory Court.

Mr Phillipson said: “We are not trying to glorify the slave trade by having this area but educate people and explain what happened and what John Newton eventually did in terms of his work to abolish the slave trade and write Amazing Grace, which is known worldwide.”