Black Pentecostals: How they impacted Christianity in Britain
Roy Francis looks at how Black Pentecostalism in Britain influenced the UK Church and helped transform worship styles
When the Windrush Generation arrived in Britain, in the 1950s and 60s, they brought with them not just their labour, but also their faith. Among them were Anglicans, Baptists and Methodists, but it was the smaller yet significant group of Pentecostals who would go on to establish Caribbean Christianity in Britain. In doing so, they became one of the most transformative religious movements in the country.
Once in Britain, one of the first actions undertaken by Black Pentecostals was to reach out to fellow Christians who had been rejected by mainstream English churches, and extend a warm welcome.
By focusing on their shared beliefs, rather than what divided them doctrinally, they were able to build spiritual alliances, extend their reach, and therefore attract a wide audience to their faith. On weekends, they held ‘open-air’ services, often near to bustling markets and busy street corners where Caribbean migrants were located. These services introduced a new form of worship to Britain and became the first public expression of Caribbean Christianity, embodying the key elements of their worship: spirited singing and passionate preaching.
As a child, I often accompanied my father to these open-air services, playing the accordion while he preached. Although I was too young to fully understand their significance, he recognised their impact on me and frequently took me with him to these and other services. They were more than acts of worship; they were a bold declaration of faith, powerful expressions of identity, and a demonstration of resilience, providing Caribbeans with a platform to promote their message.
MORE THAN CHURCHES
In Britain, churches were at the heart of the Caribbean community and were more than places of worship. They were more like social and cultural hubs, where individuals could form relationships, create lasting bonds, and seek support – and where spiritual and practical concerns were met. The role of the pastor in these churches often extended beyond their religious responsibilities, and outwards to the needs of the wider community. Even Caribbean women who operated pardners – a traditional saving scheme found in Caribbean communities, which accounted for their financial success – were typically found in churches, as the women there were known and trusted for their integrity.
This unique blend of spirituality and practical care – often in the face of adversity – provided a moral compass; strengthened religious adherence; and instilled ambition and determination, while, at the same time, created a legacy that continues to influence today. Whether it was through the liturgy or cultural practices, churches helped young people to embrace their Caribbean identity and navigate the complexities of cross-cultural life without losing themselves in the process. Churches were also places that shielded the young people from the social turmoil and racism of their age, along with helping them to steer their way in society. While sometimes this led to conflicts – both within the Church and in wider society – the churches’ unwavering sense of right and wrong, combined with their inherent strategies for survival, gave young people the stability they needed to thrive and grow in Britain. Today, their legacy endures in the form of Caribbean Christian leaders, many of whom were shaped by this environment.
THE CHANGE
For many years, Caribbean Christians maintained a quiet witness in Britain. They were mostly visible on Sundays, where they could be seen making their way to church, dressed in their finest clothes, an embodiment of dignity and devotion. Beyond this, they largely kept to themselves, focusing on building their families and strengthening their faith rather than engaging with mainstream society. Things, however, began to change in the 1960s, with the rise of gospel music and the global success of Oh Happy Day by Edwin Hawkins.
As a cultural phenomenon, gospel music drew public attention to Caribbean churches, for that’s where the music came from. It sparked a shift in perception for, until then, Black people in Britain had often been seen primarily through the lens of socio-economic struggles and racial discrimination. But the public profile of gospel music – amplified by frequent appearances of gospel choirs on television and on radio during the 1980s –introduced a new narrative. Documentaries exploring Caribbean churches and their wider community began to emerge in Britain, highlighting their cultural and spiritual impact.
THE INFLUENCE
Today, Black Pentecostals are a significant force in British Christianity, with over 4,000 churches and a membership exceeding 300,000. Many of these congregations trace their roots to established Caribbean denominations, including the New Testament Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy. They are an enduring testament to the transformative influence of Caribbean Christianity in Britain.
Perhaps Caribbean Christians’ greatest impact, however, is how they have helped the evolution of English evangelical tradition. The energy, informality and community focus of their faith inspired many English churches to modernise their worship practices. For example, many threw out the pews in their churches, modernised their services, and created spaces for a more relaxed and informal worship experience. The organ – that bastion of Anglican hymnody and for so long a feature of English church music – was quietly put to one side, replaced by modern instruments, including acoustic guitars, flutes and the piano, pioneering a new soft folk rock, English Christian music sound. Graham Kendrick, Matt Redman and Tim Hughes are examples of this new development.
While English evangelicals admired the worship style of Caribbean Pentecostals, their own sense of ‘Englishness’ meant they could only express their faith in a way they considered culturally appropriate – reserved and distinct from the boldness of Caribbean worship. However, they deeply respected Caribbeans’ unwavering faith, commitment to biblical principles, and reverence for Scripture – qualities that stood in contrast to the doubt and uncertainty that often bedevilled their own faith.
THE LEGACY
Today, Caribbean Christianity in Britain – and its expression of faith – extends to a new generation of Black Christians, including a new wave of Africans, expanding both its reach and numbers. Many of these Africans, unlike Caribbeans, pursue an ‘aggressive’ evangelism, called ‘Reverse Mission’ The aim of ‘Reverse Mission’ is to re-evangelise Britain in the way the country once did in bringing Christianity to Africa. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, the leading church in this endeavour with over 800 parishes and 80,000 members, aims to have a Redeemed church within 10 minutes’ walking distance of anywhere in the UK.
This is a bold assertion, with a number of factors seeming to question whether it is likely. However, what’s clear about African Christianity is that it is bold and confident. Africans believe their God is a ‘very big God’, and so all things are possible. That’s why they hold ‘big’ services, build big churches and have an unending belief that whatever they can’t do, God will do the rest.
Today, Caribbean Christians, with their steadfast faith and dedication, have forged a new path in British Christianity, and have left an indelible mark not only on the country’s religious landscape but also on its cultural and social fabric. The number of young people attending their churches are a testimony to their influence, with religion now seen as cool. However, Caribbean Christianity is a story of faith in action – a legacy of transformation. It will continue to inspire future generations, but it is now up to African Christians to build on this foundation, and continue to enrich British Christianity through an unwavering commitment to faith, adherence to Scripture, and an exemplary life of godliness.
ROY FRANCIS
Former BBC producer, founder of Roy Francis Productions and author
