The event opened with a welcome from Wells Cathedral, reflecting on the wider context of the screening and its themes of justice and reconciliation. The speaker referred to a recent visit from Bishop Rosemary Mallett, who had preached on justice and the Church’s connection to the transatlantic slave trade. The welcome acknowledged the historic injustices that continue to shape present-day experiences and attitudes, and recognised the barriers, prejudices and internal struggles that many still face. The introduction set the scene for the documentary After the Flood, a film that examines how religion was used to justify slavery and raises difficult but necessary questions — including where we go from here. Attendees were invited to reflect during the screening and take part in the panel discussion afterwards with guest speaker Professor Robert Beckford, Revd Alton Bell and Susann Savidge.
