Global Perspectives on Modern Slavery: A Reflective Narrative on John Wesley’s Thoughts Upon Slavery and Social Justice
Mwansa Claude Kimpinde 
Issue: Vol.11 No. 6 2025 Issue Article 6 pp.305 – 321
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20251166 | Published online 19th June, 2025.
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This paper delves into the worldwide views on modern slavery, with a particular focus on the reflective narrative presented in John Wesley’s thoughts on slavery and social justice. Modern slavery remains a pressing issue in contemporary society, with millions of individuals subjected to exploitative and inhumane conditions. By examining Wesley’s thoughts on slavery and social justice by applying them to the context of modern slavery, this paper aimed to shed light on the importance of addressing this grave violation of human rights. Through a comparative analysis of historical perspectives and current global efforts to combat modern slavery, this paper sought to provide insights into the ongoing struggle for social justice and human dignity. The study outcomes underscored the continued significance of Wesley’s perspectives on slavery and social justice in addressing contemporary forms of exploitation and oppression. It is crucial to recognize that, while Wesley championed the equality of all individuals, he also demonstrated cultural biases and attitudes of superiority characteristic of his era in other discursive contexts, particularly in discussions surrounding human sin. In the context of today’s anti-racist movements, Wesley’s opposition to slavery should not be leveraged by his theological successors to assert a position of moral superiority. Instead, it should serve as an impetus to critically examine, across various contexts, what it genuinely means to be transformed into the image of a merciful and just God.
Keywords: Global Perspectives, Modern Slavery, Reflective Narrative, John Wesley’s Thoughts on Slavery, Social Justice.
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Rev. Dr. Mwansa Claude Kimpinde holds a PhD in Practical theology – Pastoral care and Counselling at University of Pretoria-South Africa, a Master of Arts in Theology (MA Th PT) in Practical Theology from the University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Art honours Theology with specialisation in Practical Theology (BA Hon PTh) from the university of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Theology Degree (BTh) from the Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC) in South Africa, a Diploma in Practical Theology from Emmaus Road Ministry School, Texas-USA, a Degree in Accounting and Financial Management, from the High School of Commerce (ISC- Kinshasa) in the Republic Democratic of Congo, a Diploma in banking and insurance: sales associate, from GRETA MTE-94 in France. He is a research fellow in the Department of Biblical study at the University of Free State, South Africa. He is also a Research associate at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and at Wesley House, Cambridge, UK, is an Advance Religious Specialist in Christian Pastoral Counselling, ACRP- CPSC D0588/2019, South Africa. He is a former minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, currently a Presbyter in the Methodist church of Great Britain, UK and a member of the British & Irish Association for Practical Theology, UK. He is a member of Society for Practical Theology in South Africa (SPTSA), is a member of The British & Irish Association for Practical Theology (BIAPT)., is a member of the South African Association of PHDs (SAAPhDs), he is a member of The Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies (TOIMTS). Dr Claude’s research interest is in Practical Theology in the sub- discipline of Pastoral care and counselling (individual, relationship, family therapy, trauma, pastoral, depression, spiritual, sexual and pres. and post marital counselling).
Kimpinde, Mwansa Claude. “Global Perspectives on Modern Slavery: A Reflective Narrative on John Wesley’s Thoughts Upon Slavery and Social Justice,” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 11 no.6 (2025): 305 – 321. https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20251166
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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