Find a Black majority church near you
Use your location to see churches in your area, then check individual listings for each congregation's denomination and style.
From Windrush to today
Many Caribbean Christians who arrived in post-war Britain received a cold welcome in existing churches, so they started their own, meeting first in front rooms and hired halls. Out of that faithfulness grew established denominations: the New Testament Church of God, founded in Britain in 1953, and the Church of God of Prophecy, both with strong roots in the Caribbean holiness and Pentecostal traditions. Wesleyan Holiness and Seventh-day Adventist congregations also grew rapidly through Caribbean membership.
A second wave came with African migration from the 1980s onwards. Nigerian and Ghanaian denominations planted vigorously, above all the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which now has several hundred parishes across the UK. Other significant churches include Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), founded in London by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Ruach City Church, and many congregations of the Church of Pentecost, Deeper Life and Winners' Chapel. The London Borough of Southwark is often described as home to the greatest concentration of African churches outside Africa.
What worship is like
- Expect celebration. Gospel choirs, praise bands, dancing and extended sung worship are central. Services are joyful and unhurried, often lasting two hours or more.
- Expect strong preaching. Sermons are lively, biblical and practical, with plenty of congregational response.
- Expect prayer. Prayer is passionate and participatory, and many churches hold midweek prayer meetings, all-night vigils and fasting seasons.
- Expect a warm welcome. Visitors are usually greeted personally and often acknowledged during the service. Hospitality afterwards is generous.
- Dress varies. Many congregations dress smartly for church, especially the older generation, but visitors in everyday clothes are welcomed everywhere.
Not one single tradition
Black majority churches span several theological families. Most are Pentecostal or charismatic, but the scene also includes Seventh-day Adventist churches worshipping on Saturday, Baptist and Methodist congregations with predominantly Black membership, and many Church of England parishes, particularly in London, where Black Christians form the majority of the congregation. There are also newer independent churches led by British-born pastors that draw multi-ethnic crowds. If Saturday worship interests you, see our guide to Seventh-day Adventist churches.
Community life
These churches are engines of community support. Many run food banks, supplementary schools, mentoring for young people, employment and immigration advice, and campaigns on issues affecting their neighbourhoods. For many members the church functions as extended family, marking every birth, graduation, wedding and homegoing together.
Frequently asked questions
Am I welcome if I am not Black?
Absolutely. Black majority describes who founded and largely fills these churches, not who is allowed in. Most are delighted to welcome worshippers of every background, and many are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic. See also our page on multicultural churches.
How long do services last?
Plan for at least two hours in most Pentecostal and African-led churches. Nobody minds if you need to slip out earlier; sit near the back if your time is limited.
How do I find one near me?
Use the finder above, browse Pentecostal listings, or look through your county in the directory. Church names are often a clue: look for RCCG, NTCG, COGOP, Church of Pentecost or KICC in the listing.