African Methodist Episcopal Churches

When Methodism failed to meet the needs of free blacks in the United States, Richard Allen and others established a new church, the African Methodist Episcopal church. Building on the spiritual legacy of the slavery experience, African Methodist worship has developed its own unique style. Elements of this style include the affirmation of creation and life, emotional responsiveness without sacrifice of intellect, dialogue between the worshiper and God, and expectancy for the future. When Richard Allen encountered Methodism in the North, he brought with him a heritage that looked at life differently from his white brothers and sisters. He was attracted to Methodism for two major reasons. First, it was a heartfelt religion that stressed the importance of conversion. Second, it was a religion that combined social concern with individual faith. Allen, however, sensed a need to fashion Methodism in a manner that would be helpful to African Americans. Although it provided a good structure a…