# Christian abolitionism (1787)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1787-christian-abolitionism
Location: London, England
Themes: Politics

William Wilberforce and evangelical allies begin the campaign against the slave trade. At this point in the timeline (1787), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Pius VI (15 February 1775 – 29 August 1799).

## Why it matters
Christian abolitionism mattered because it changed the relationship between the churches and political power.

Pope at the time: [Pope Pius VI](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-pius-vi)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — William Wilberforce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilberforce)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Christian abolitionism](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Christian+abolitionism)
- [Wikipedia — Enlightenment and Revival (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity#Modern_era)