The film "Amazing Grace" renders a compelling picture of William Wilberforce's 20-year struggle to motivate the British House of Commons to denounce the North Atlantic slave trade. He, along with his mentor, John Newton, are haunted by the ghosts of the many African people tortured or killed in this dehumanizing endeavor. This provocative film highlights the politicized and emotional struggle with this issue among key leaders within the British government two centuries ago .

Newton, former slave-ship-owner-turned-clergyman, wrestles mightily with these questions as well. His world-view changes and he, who previously profited from commercializing African bodies, no longer can continue down this road. Ultimately, Newton pens the beloved hymn, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see."

For Newton, this familiar hymn is a confession that later would be used as an invitation for social justice efforts. What does it mean today for Newton's "Amazing Grace" to serve as an invitation to repent, to be found, to be granted sight, just as Wilberforce extended to the House of Commons as a part of his crusade for the abolition of slavery?

Although specifics of the issues have changed, the call to be engaged in social justice prevails among faithful Christians.

It is no coincidence that this movie was released during Lent, the holiest of seasons for Christians. As Christians reflect, let us consider that all of creation is broken in one regard or another; however, her redemption rests upon our willingness to open our eyes and be healed of blindness regarding the atrocities that exist in our society. Dare we approach the resurrection blinded by our own greed and comfort?

There is an opportunity for everyone to champion the victims of injustices. Some of us will have an opportunity to be public figures, eloquent drum majors, such as Wilberforce, Gandhi or King; however, others of us will be quiet activists. Here is an invitation for all of us to make a contribution toward liberation or "being found." Global issues that cry out for awareness and activism abound:

• In Darfur, Sudan, approximately 400,000 people have died since an unchecked genocide began. During the last several years, efforts to raise awareness about Sudan have heightened, but the reality is that lobbying, protest and advocacy are needed until the killing stops.

• Northern Uganda is another country tragically divided and thirsting for prayerful attention. Although the south is peaceful and prosperous, the north is war-ravaged, poor and insecure, where children and women are primary targets. This protracted war has claimed countless lives in northern and northeastern Uganda, and since 1994 as many as 30,000 children have been abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army. These children are then transformed into soldiers, sex slaves and mercenaries, never to be reunited with their families. Many have died.

As the conflict in Northern Uganda intensifies, the youth have become "invisible children" to the government and the international community. Bishop Baker Ochola, a retired Anglican bishop of Kitgum, challenges the church worldwide to speak boldly and consistently on behalf of these voiceless children.

Wilberforce's quest for justice persisted for 20 years. As a result, the abolitionists were triumphant. It may take that much time and more for the crises in Uganda, Sudan and elsewhere to be overcome. But we must persevere, and, in whatever way we can, become involved.

As this Lenten season draws to a close, we are invited to accept the invitation of "Amazing Grace." Will we accept the call to be modern-day heroes, to embrace the cause of another, even in the simplest ways? Will we embrace the charge to give voice to those who have no voice? The prayer is that all who sing this hymn will consider such questions as they raise their voices together. Your response can indeed sweeten the sound of "Amazing Grace" for the entire world.

(Rev. Tiffney L. Marley directs the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Cathy S. Gilliard is minister for Christian nurture at Christ Church in New York City.)

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