A story that begins with Windrush
When Caribbean families arrived in Britain from 1948 onwards, many carried a deep church-going faith with them. The welcome they received in some established congregations was, to put it gently, cold. Rather than give up on Sunday worship, they started their own fellowships in front rooms, hired halls and former cinemas. Out of those small beginnings grew denominations that are now a permanent part of British church life, including the New Testament Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy, both of which put down roots in cities such as Birmingham and London during the 1950s.
A second wave followed from the 1980s as African congregations, many with Nigerian and Ghanaian roots, planted churches across the country. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) alone has planted hundreds of parishes in Britain, while Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London grew into one of the largest single congregations in western Europe.
Growth against the trend
While overall church attendance in Britain has declined for decades, black-majority churches have moved in the opposite direction. In some London boroughs they now account for a large share of everyone in church on a Sunday. Researchers point to strong community life, confident preaching, a culture of prayer and a warm welcome for newcomers as reasons for that growth. Many congregations also run food banks, youth mentoring, debt advice and other practical ministries that serve their whole neighbourhood.
Where they are concentrated
- London. The capital has the greatest concentration, from large centres in Walthamstow and Southwark to hundreds of smaller fellowships meeting in schools and community halls.
- Birmingham. A historic heartland of Caribbean-heritage denominations, with Handsworth and Lozells home to long-established congregations.
- Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Growing African-led and Caribbean-heritage churches serve communities across the north of England.
What worship is like
Expect services that are longer and livelier than a typical parish communion. Gospel choirs, extended sung worship, spoken prayer from the whole congregation and preaching that invites a response are all common. Dress varies by church: some congregations keep a smart tradition, others are relaxed. Visitors of every background are welcomed warmly, and you will rarely slip out unnoticed; someone will almost certainly greet you and invite you back.
Main denominations and networks
- New Testament Church of God, a Pentecostal denomination with Caribbean roots and congregations across England.
- Church of God of Prophecy, another historic Caribbean-heritage Pentecostal family.
- Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Nigerian-founded denomination with a wide network of British parishes.
- KICC, a large independent congregation with several sites in and around London.
- Many others, from Ghanaian Methodist fellowships to French-speaking Congolese churches, alongside thriving black-majority congregations within the Church of England, Baptist and Methodist traditions.
Finding a black-majority church near you
Use our directory to search churches near you, starting with Pentecostal and evangelical listings in your town or city. Church websites and social media pages usually show service photos and times, which gives you a good feel before you visit. If you are new to church altogether, our guide to visiting a church for the first time will help you know what to expect.