Thousands sing Amazing Grace to commemorate abolition of slavery

More than 2500 churches and tens of thousands of Christians worldwide commemorate the abolition of slavery in the British Empire by praying for freedom and sing the historic song, Amazing Grace, February 18.

The celebration commemorated the 200th Anniversary of the end of slave trade in England and a resolution to take a stand against modern–day slavery.

The event was inspired by Bristol Bay Production's newest film, Amazing Grace, which chronicles the lives of anti–slavery pioneer William Wilberforce and his mentor–friend John Newton, the slave–trader–turned–song–writer, who wrote the lyrics for the world's most popular hymn, Amazing Grace. Wilberforce, Newtown and a group of loyal friends effectively navigated the world of 18th Century politics to abolish the slave trade in England. The movie stars Ioan Gruffudd as Wilberforce and Albert Finney as Newton and is directed by Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Coal Miner's Daughter), with an original screenplay written by Academy Award® nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things ). Amazing Grace will be released in theaters worldwide by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions.

Church congregations from all 50 states in the US and from scores of countries around the globe, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Dubai, Albania, Malaysia, Romania, Panama, India, Spain, West Indies and Nigeria participated in the celebration.

Churches which have missed joining the celebrations, February 18, are encouraged to register on the website created for the event to join in the celebrations, March 25, 2007.

For more information on the event and the lyrics, music and information about the song Amazing Grace, visit www.AmazingGraceSunday.com.