In recent times, media attention has been focused on the growing number of black majority churches in the UK. While church attendance in monocultural British churches is on the decline, African churches on the other hand are ‘booming’—to paraphrase a photo essay published in the UK Guardian of February 2019 titled “African churches boom in London’s backstreets”.

The episode describes how Black-majority churches, profiting from migration and the vibrancy of African Christianity, emphasize freedom of worship, social integration and the cultural preservation of migrants.

Sharing the experiences of second-generation migrants and members of the clergy, the episode explores the borders between faith and migration. Rev Israel Olofinjana, an expert on reverse mission provided insights into factors influencing the growth of black churches in the UK while Revd Chris McDermott, the lead chaplain at the University of Sussex  spoke on the formation of black churches and their influence on orthodox church practices.

Produced and created by Hannah Ajakaiye

Additional credits:

Church Bells:  BBC Sounds

Music: Festival of life 2019 praise session, Youtube.