Cambridge College slave trader has spent 120 120,000 on a failed bid to remove the blade

A Cambridge University college has spent 120 120,000 to remove a monument to its chapel from a 17th-century philanthropist who was heavily involved in the slave trade.

Sonita Allen, a master at Jesus College, defended the decision to sue and criticized the “old” church process that ended in the college’s defeat, the Guardian reported.

The controversial memorial was the subject of a three-day court hearing in February, where the college needed permission from the Diocese of Eli to remove the plaque from the chapel wall, where it would deter community members from worshiping, and move the college elsewhere.

Allen, who was the first black master at an Oxbridge college, voted in favor of seeking permission to relocate the Fellow Memorial after the study revealed the extent of Tobias Rust’s 30-year involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

“It simply came to our notice then,” Allen wrote. “From an ethical point of view, Rustat’s activities helped finance the slave factory off the coast of West Africa. This enabled the ships to transport thousands of slave women, children and men in the middle. And that led to the deaths of these people in the Caribbean and the American killing fields. “

Last month, however, the relevant court ruled that the monument was opposed on the basis of “a false statement” that the monetary reward was derived from Rustat slavery and ordered that the memorial should remain in the chapel. Jesus College has since ruled against an appeal, but has called on the Church of England to find a way to resolve issues of racial injustice and a conflicting tradition.

“There was no question: we have to fight this case,” Allen said. “As a result, the college will spend about £ 120,000 on an old process that had very few options but to follow, the dominance of lawyers, and which were wrongly designed to address sensitive issues of racial justice and a competing tradition. The church is certainly better than that.” Will develop. ”

Throughout the process, Allen said he felt that the Roost Memorial was being weighed more than he had helped 150,000 Africans travel in slavery. “After considering the verdict, I believe that this process is incapable of accounting for the living experience of people of color in Britain today.”

He compared Rustat’s opposition to the admission of female students to the university. She said female students were admitted for the first time just two generations ago. Opposition groups called for a 483-year-old male-only access. Their argument proves to be absurd. The buildings were rebuilt and new arrangements and traditions were created. As a result, the college is much more beautiful today, and much more exciting academically. “

He added: “I am proud to be the master of an institution like Jesus College. The calm discussions and conversations that began with the Fellows in May 2019 did not shy away from difficult topics or this move. It is part of our journey toward justice. It’s important for Jesus College, and it’s important for the Church of England. “

Many veterans of the Church of England, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, have expressed their support for the relocation of the Allen and Memorial.