African Christian Practices in Diaspora Communities: The Global Narrative

[Author’s Note: This is the ninth in a series.]

While the story of Christianity’s African roots often includes discussions on the syncretic religious practices of Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean communities—such as Candomblé in Brazil, Vodou in Haiti, or Santería in Cuba—there remains a significant gap in exploring how African Christian spirituality and practices have developed and flourished among diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and Asia. By elaborating on these examples, we deepen our understanding of how African-descended communities maintain continuity with their African religious heritage, adapt faith practices to new contexts, and influence global Christianity in diverse and significant ways.

African Christian Spirituality in North America

African-descended communities in the United States and Canada have historically embraced Christianity through a distinctive cultural lens, integrating African traditions into worship, communal life, and theology. From the “hush harbor” religious gatherings of enslaved people in the American South to contemporary Black churches, African-derived spirituality has significantly shaped North American Christianity.

Practices such as call-and-response preaching, gospel music, and rhythmic worship reflect African influences. The African American religious tradition emphasizes community, liberation theology, and the prophetic voice, echoing African communal spirituality and indigenous cosmologies.

Contemporary movements, like Womanist theology developed by theologians Delores Williams, Emilie Townes, and Katie Geneva Cannon, engage critically with issues of race and gender, drawing from African cultural frameworks emphasizing holistic spirituality and communal empowerment.

African immigrant congregations such as Nigeria’s Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in cities like New York, Atlanta, Toronto, and Houston significantly influence contemporary North American evangelical and Pentecostal landscapes. They bring distinctive African worship practices characterized by fervent prayer, communal solidarity, healing rituals, and prophetic ministries.

African Christian Practices in European Diaspora Communities

African Christianity significantly impacts European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin, reshaping religious landscapes through large Pentecostal and charismatic churches.

Britain’s Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), founded by Nigerian-born pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, exemplifies African Christianity’s dynamic influence, drawing thousands with vibrant worship, communal support, and empowerment-focused teachings. Similarly, the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations, founded by Pastor Sunday Adelaja in Kyiv, Ukraine, highlights African Christianity’s transformative potential even in regions historically less associated with the African diaspora.

African-led European churches emphasize holistic spirituality, charismatic leadership, and active community engagement, providing critical social services and intercultural dialogue that significantly reshape mainstream Christian practices, making them more inclusive and global.

African Diaspora Christian Communities in Asia

In Asia, African diaspora communities—though smaller—demonstrate how African Christian practices adapt within vastly different cultural and religious contexts. African churches in China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East thrive by centering African spirituality, mutual support, and evangelistic outreach.

In China, African-led Pentecostal congregations have notably grown in Guangzhou, creatively adapting worship practices to navigate restrictive religious environments. These communities provide social cohesion and cultural continuity, offering spiritual and practical support for African migrants.

In South Korea, vibrant African congregations cater to African immigrants and students. They incorporate distinctive African charismatic spirituality—including lively praise, prophetic prayers, and healing ministries—while interacting with Korean Christian traditions, creating unique cross-cultural exchanges and theological dialogues.

Global Influence and Significance

Highlighting African Christian practices in North American, European, and Asian diaspora communities underscores African Christianity’s global character. These communities maintain connections to African traditions, adapt to new contexts, and significantly influence global Christianity by:

• Strengthening intercultural dialogue within Christian traditions.
• Promoting global solidarity among African-descended populations.
• Enriching Christian theology with diverse perspectives and practices.
• Reinforcing social justice and community empowerment themes.

Conclusion

Expanding the narrative to include African Christian practices in North American, European, and Asian diaspora communities offers a comprehensive understanding of African Christianity’s global influence. These diaspora expressions reflect the resilience and creativity of African-descended peoples and highlight African Christianity’s broader contributions to global religious thought and practice. Recognizing these diverse experiences enhances our appreciation of Christianity as a dynamic, global faith continually enriched by diverse cultural and spiritual expressions.