Saskia Teulings

The Independent African-american Church 1865-1900 Saskia Teulings

Between 1865 and 1900 the Independent African-American Church developed as a compelling and powerful institution, whereby the church developed itself as a tool to constant progress for African-Americans in the American society. The African-American church was not only a religious place, but also a place where the African-Americans developed a collective identity. The end of slavery had created a desire to the establishment of an independent African-American Church, without being disturbt or being controlled by whites. The independent African-American Church brought the African-Americans for the same and common cause together. This church has played an enormously important role in the formation of a self-contained community, as many scientists have already investigated. This work investigates why African-Americans decided to create their own Independent African-American Churches immediately after the abolition of slavery in 1865. In addition it will look into the role of the Independent African-American Church in the African-American community as it particularly investigates the reasons why the African-Americans wanted to establish their own independent churches.