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Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Amazing Change, inspired by film Amazing Grace, Stirs Young People to Finish the Work of Abolition
MEDIA ALERT
A MOVIE BECOMES A MOVEMENT
The Amazing Change, inspired by film Amazing Grace, Stirs Young People to Finish the Work of Abolition as Tens of Thousands Plan For Amazing Grace Sunday on February 18
BOSTON, (January 23, 2007)-An estimated 27 million people are living in slavery today. It's hard to imagine, but there are more people living in slavery today than at any other time in history. The irony is that this year marks the 200th Anniversary of the end of the slave trade in the British Empire, an historic event brought about by British politician, William Wilberforce and a group of loyal friends. That group included John Newton, the slave trader turned song writer who penned the popular hymn Amazing Grace. Together they took on the most powerful forces of their day to end the slave trade.
Today, in advance of the release of a film chronicling their heroic actions, another even larger group of abolitionists are once again mounting a campaign to end slavery once and for all. In the process, they're also inspiring people to consider how they can get involved in improving the world in other ways. The campaign will culminate on Sunday, February 18th, when thousands across the globe will celebrate AMAZING GRACE SUNDAY.
THE MOVIE
Amazing Grace, based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, is directed by Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Coal Miner's Daughter) from an original screenplay written by Academy Award(r) nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things). Gruffudd plays Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Albert Finney plays John Newton, a confidante of Wilberforce who inspires him to pursue a life of service to humanity. Benedict Cumberbatch is William Pitt the Younger, England's youngest ever Prime Minister at the age of 24, who encourages his friend Wilberforce to take up the fight to outlaw slavery and supports him in his struggles in Parliament.
Amazing Grace will be released in theatres nationwide by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions on Friday, February 23rd. For more information about the film and cast and to view the trailer, go to www.AmazingGraceMovie.com
THE MUSIC
On Sunday February 18th, tens of thousands of people around the globe will cross racial and denominational divides to stand united against this ongoing human atrocity by praying for freedom and singing the historic song Amazing Grace. This Sunday will serve as an observance of both the historic battle against slavery and oppression and as a call to action for churches to pursue justice. Churches can register on a special website created for the event, download lyrics, music and bulletin inserts and get more information about the background of the hymn. www.AmazingGraceSunday.com
THE MOVEMENT
The Amazing Change campaign is inspired by the film "Amazing Grace" to continue the unfinished work of William Wilberforce. The campaign is raising awareness and funds to help abolish slavery, gather signatures on a petition to end modern day slavery, and motivate a new generation of activists who give back to the world.
NEWS COVERAGE PLANS FOR THIS HISTORIC WEEKEND
Church leaders in your community are galvanizing around The Amazing Change and Amazing Grace Sunday, adding their voices to thousands of others around the globe calling for an end to slavery. Available story elements include:
* The singing of the historic song Amazing Grace
* A show of international solidarity with the signing of the Petition to End Modern Day Slavery.
* Interviews with local pastors and church leaders taking part in the campaign.
* Interviews and video of 15 year old abolitionist Zach Hunter, spokesperson for The Amazing Change.
* Video from around the world depicting the deplorable conditions of slavery.
* Interviews with The Amazing Change Partners who head up the four abolitionist organizations identified by the campaign.
* Interviews with other experts on historical and modern day slavery and abolition, historians who can comment on the hymn, William Wilberforce and John Newton. Possible interview subjects include:
Amazing Grace Sunday (Sunday, February 18th)
* Eric Metaxas - author of the book Amazing Grace
* Kevin Belmonte - historian on the film Amazing Grace and author
* Chris Tomlin - recording artist who wrote and recorded a new bridge for the hymn Amazing Grace
* Bob Beltz - producer of the film Amazing Grace, expert on history of the hymn and the role in the church
The Amazing Change Campaign
* Zach Hunter -- student spokesperson, 15 year old abolitionist, author of Be the Change
* Leaders from The Amazing Change partners (www.ijm.org, www.childvoiceintl.org, www.freetheslaves.net, www.rugmark.org)
* David Batstone - Author of Not for Sale, entrepreneur and activist
* Penny Hunter, The Amazing Change Campaign Director
For more information or to request an interview, contact: Loretta Cooper at media@TheAmazingChange.com
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
A MOVIE BECOMES A MOVEMENT
The Amazing Change, inspired by film Amazing Grace, Stirs Young People to Finish the Work of Abolition as Tens of Thousands Plan For Amazing Grace Sunday on February 18
BOSTON, (January 23, 2007)-An estimated 27 million people are living in slavery today. It's hard to imagine, but there are more people living in slavery today than at any other time in history. The irony is that this year marks the 200th Anniversary of the end of the slave trade in the British Empire, an historic event brought about by British politician, William Wilberforce and a group of loyal friends. That group included John Newton, the slave trader turned song writer who penned the popular hymn Amazing Grace. Together they took on the most powerful forces of their day to end the slave trade.
Today, in advance of the release of a film chronicling their heroic actions, another even larger group of abolitionists are once again mounting a campaign to end slavery once and for all. In the process, they're also inspiring people to consider how they can get involved in improving the world in other ways. The campaign will culminate on Sunday, February 18th, when thousands across the globe will celebrate AMAZING GRACE SUNDAY.
THE MOVIE
Amazing Grace, based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, is directed by Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Coal Miner's Daughter) from an original screenplay written by Academy Award(r) nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things). Gruffudd plays Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Albert Finney plays John Newton, a confidante of Wilberforce who inspires him to pursue a life of service to humanity. Benedict Cumberbatch is William Pitt the Younger, England's youngest ever Prime Minister at the age of 24, who encourages his friend Wilberforce to take up the fight to outlaw slavery and supports him in his struggles in Parliament.
Amazing Grace will be released in theatres nationwide by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions on Friday, February 23rd. For more information about the film and cast and to view the trailer, go to www.AmazingGraceMovie.com
THE MUSIC
On Sunday February 18th, tens of thousands of people around the globe will cross racial and denominational divides to stand united against this ongoing human atrocity by praying for freedom and singing the historic song Amazing Grace. This Sunday will serve as an observance of both the historic battle against slavery and oppression and as a call to action for churches to pursue justice. Churches can register on a special website created for the event, download lyrics, music and bulletin inserts and get more information about the background of the hymn. www.AmazingGraceSunday.com
THE MOVEMENT
The Amazing Change campaign is inspired by the film "Amazing Grace" to continue the unfinished work of William Wilberforce. The campaign is raising awareness and funds to help abolish slavery, gather signatures on a petition to end modern day slavery, and motivate a new generation of activists who give back to the world.
NEWS COVERAGE PLANS FOR THIS HISTORIC WEEKEND
Church leaders in your community are galvanizing around The Amazing Change and Amazing Grace Sunday, adding their voices to thousands of others around the globe calling for an end to slavery. Available story elements include:
* The singing of the historic song Amazing Grace
* A show of international solidarity with the signing of the Petition to End Modern Day Slavery.
* Interviews with local pastors and church leaders taking part in the campaign.
* Interviews and video of 15 year old abolitionist Zach Hunter, spokesperson for The Amazing Change.
* Video from around the world depicting the deplorable conditions of slavery.
* Interviews with The Amazing Change Partners who head up the four abolitionist organizations identified by the campaign.
* Interviews with other experts on historical and modern day slavery and abolition, historians who can comment on the hymn, William Wilberforce and John Newton. Possible interview subjects include:
Amazing Grace Sunday (Sunday, February 18th)
* Eric Metaxas - author of the book Amazing Grace
* Kevin Belmonte - historian on the film Amazing Grace and author
* Chris Tomlin - recording artist who wrote and recorded a new bridge for the hymn Amazing Grace
* Bob Beltz - producer of the film Amazing Grace, expert on history of the hymn and the role in the church
The Amazing Change Campaign
* Zach Hunter -- student spokesperson, 15 year old abolitionist, author of Be the Change
* Leaders from The Amazing Change partners (www.ijm.org, www.childvoiceintl.org, www.freetheslaves.net, www.rugmark.org)
* David Batstone - Author of Not for Sale, entrepreneur and activist
* Penny Hunter, The Amazing Change Campaign Director
For more information or to request an interview, contact: Loretta Cooper at media@TheAmazingChange.com
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
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About Religion Press Release ServicesReligion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others. The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
