Did you know... that the African Methodist Episcopal Church traces its origins to Philadelphia in the 1700s?
When white members of St. George’sMethodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia insisted on segregation for African members. Member Allen Jones and others left the church and formed their own congregation.
Pastor Richard Allen ensured Bethel church’s independence. He successfully sued in Pennsylvania courts. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in his favor, granting the right for the AME congregationto exist as an independent institution free of Methodist church control.In 1816 Richard Allen was consecrated as the first AME bishop by a conference of five churches. Allen and his family led the church insupporting those in need with housing, food, and other resources. It becamea haven for people of color.
The church’s message was one of spiritual progress but also emphasizededucation and high moral standards. Wilberforce University, OhioThe church now has congregations and educational facilities established inU.S.A, Africa, Guyana, U.K., and Canada.
#DidYouKnow #ReligiousLiteracy is part of #ReligiousFreedom Credits: with thanks to www.AMEchurch.com, Mother Bethel AME Church, Mother Bethel Foundation, Lomax Family Foundation, VCU Libraries Social Welfare History Project, historyofphilly.com, Akhase Organization, Michael Barg