'Creating the Better Hour: Lessons from William Wilberforce'

Edited by Chuck Stetson, Foreword by Rick Warren

Contact: Sheila Weber, VP Communications, sheila@thebetterhour.com, 646-322-6953

NEW YORK, November 13 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Creating the Better Hour: Lessons from William Wilberforce" is the only book about Wilberforce specifically designed for small group discussion and action," says its editor Chuck Stetson (www.thebetterhour.com). Although Wilberforce was once a household name on both sides of the Atlantic—having led the 20-year fight to end the slave trade in 1807--his life and legacy have largely been forgotten. The bicentennial of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade has helped reestablish Wilberforce in the public eye.

The book provides a thorough and enlightening portrait of Wilberforce. It focuses on Wilberforce's ability to find common ground within a charged political climate and to engage and reform culture from a foundation of deep personal faith. Edited by Chuck Stetson, the book contains articles and reflections from such renowned scholars and activists as Chuck Colson, Baroness Caroline Cox, Os Guinness, Don Eberly, John Pollock and others, with a foreword by Rick Warren.

Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director for the World Evangelical Alliance says "'Creating the Better Hour' offers an irresistible call to action for building a better world."

"Offering a new concept for churches, community groups and book clubs, this book will help people join together to become a force for good and to commit to a life lived for the benefit of others," says Stetson.  At the end of each chapter is an extended observation that uses the very methods Wilberforce himself used to study issues and subsequently to engage British society. These extended observations give groups opportunities for "transforming conversations" that engender a genuine commitment to work together to create a better world-a better hour for society.

In addition to the now available 360-page book published by Stroud & Hall, there will soon be a documentary film, "The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce." The film will be aired on national public television early in 2008 and will be available on DVD immediately thereafter. The film, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, was a featured selection at the 2007 Heartland Film Festival. View a trailer of the film and learn more about the book at www.thebetterhour.com.