Bermuda's AME community has praised the acknowledgement by the Island's Anglican Church that it benefited from slavery.

The Church passed a resolution last weekend ahead of a Cathedral service marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Transatlantic slave trade which ultimately led to the abolition of slavery.

At the service, a statement from the Anglican Church was read by Bishop Ewen Ratteray which expressed its deep regret for its role in the inhumane trade.

Speaking on behalf of the AME Church in Bermuda, Rev. Larry Lowe said the acknowledgement will help the process of healing and atonement.

Mr. Lowe, who is Pastor of Mount Zion AME, also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of other religious faiths that petitioned the British Parliament to ultimately abolish slavery.

He said: "We congratulate the Anglican Church of Bermuda for declaring its deep regret for profiting from the slave trade.

"People of different races, religions and cultures need to capture this opportunity to heal and bring our Island home together so that we can move forward."

Last weekend, Bishop Ratteray marked the bicentenary, by presenting a motion which expressed regret for the Anglican Church's involvement in the slave trade.

His statement read: "The Anglican Church of Bermuda, as an institution, benefited from the evil trade in African people over an extended period.

"On this date, be it resolved: that the Anglican Church of our day in these Islands expresses deep regret for the involvement of our church in the slave trade."

His motion, which was unanimously backed by the Synod of the Anglican Church of Bermuda, was read at churches across the Island.

Tributes were also paid, for the efforts of Anglican Christians such as William Wilberforce and Granville Sharp who played a significant role in helping to abolish slavery.

It follows the Church of England's apology last year, for its role in slavery when it recognised the "damage done" to those enslaved.

To help markthe anniversary, The Royal Gazett> launched its Break The Chains campaign which asks people to sign Anti-Slavery International's online petition which calls for governments across the globe to end all forms of human captivity, including human trafficking, child labour, bonded labour and forced marriage.

More than 20,000 people have now signed the petition.

[box] To add your name, go to www.antislavery.org/2007/actionsign and fill in your details.