Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate remarkable faith leaders who shaped American Christianity through their courage and dedication. In 1787, two friends and ministers—the Rev. Absalom Jones and the Rev. Richard Allen—co-founded the Free African Society in Philadelphia, creating one of the first Black mutual aid organizations in America. Their partnership would lead to transformative changes in American religious history.
The Rev. Absalom Jones became the first African American ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1795, and again in 1802 when he was ordained as the first African American priest. His congregation, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, remains a vibrant spiritual community today.
The Rev. Richard Allen established the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1816, America’s first independent Black denomination. Under his leadership as its first bishop, the AME Church grew from a single congregation to a movement that gave African Americans autonomy in their spiritual lives and championed education and social justice.
Nearly two centuries later, another barrier was broken when the Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris was consecrated in 1988 as the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion. Her historic consecration opened new doors for leadership in the church.
These pioneering faith leaders exemplify courage, perseverance, and dedication to their calling. Their groundbreaking achievements helped shape the inclusive church we know today, reminding us that Black history is indeed American history. Their legacy continues to inspire people of faith across denominations, showing us how friendship, faith, and determination can transform communities and create lasting change.
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