Leading Pentecostal church Christian Life City will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery by holding a special Abolition Celebration Service on Sunday 25 March at the Round Chapel, London.

The Abolition Celebration Service will look at the historical origins of the African slave trade, reveal the role abolitionists and slaves played in ending this dehumanising activity, talk about how the slave trade affects black people today, and what work needs to be done to right the wrongs of slavery.

Speakers at this special event will include Bishop Wayne Malcolm, senior Pastor of Christian Life City, George Akalonu of Dream Africa, an organisation which seeks to reconcile people of the African Diaspora, Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who made history by becoming the first black woman to be elected into the Houses of Parliament, and Superintendent Leroy Logan, one of the highest serving black officers in Hackney Borough Police.

Bishop Wayne Malcolm commented, "It's important that the black Christian community plays its part in commemorating the abolition of the slave trade, and looks at the detrimental effect this dreadful historical occurrence has had on black people and what steps can be taken to rectify them."

He continued, "The bi-centennial of the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1807 provides us all with an opportunity to remember the millions who perished in the Atlantic crossings as well as reflect on the stamina of those who survived, the courage of the abolitionists who opposed the trade and the achievements of all black people who have achieved against the odds."

This special service will be followed by the Abolition Celebration concert featuring leading British gospel artist Noel Robinson.