Introduction

Abstract

The introduction positions the Black church in American history. It gives an overview of the development of the Black churches prior to the Civil War including the social environment in which these churches existed. How the events of the war led directly if not intentionally to the emergence and proliferation of independent churches is explained. The idea of independent Black churches is presented and the radical beginnings of these churches are substantiated. The more recent trend toward deradicalization of the Black church is highlighted by addressing the issue of leadership in the church, which by now largely follows the dominant trends.