Black churches are among the oldest and most influential institutions dedicated to supporting Black Americans. When they were first founded, denominations like the African Methodist Episcopal Church gave Black Americans a place to worship freely.<\/p>\n
Over the years, Black congregations have not only offered a place of prayer for many Black worshippers, but also played a role in the advancement of Black Americans more generally \u2013 from supporting colleges to taking the lead in many civil rights causes.<\/p>\n
Yet, when it comes to choosing a house of worship, most Black Americans don\u2019t prioritize denominational labels. A welcoming congregation and inspiring sermons are far more important to them, according to a recent Pew Research Center report<\/a>.<\/p>\n Only 30% of Black adults say that it would be \u201cvery important\u201d to find a congregation in their current denomination if they were looking for a new house of worship, according to the survey, conducted Nov. 19, 2019-June 3, 2020. Far larger shares say it is very important to find a congregation that is welcoming (80%) or that has inspiring sermons (77%).<\/p>\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n NEW: When it comes to choosing a house of worship, most Black Americans don\u2019t prioritize denominational labels. A welcoming congregation and inspiring sermons are far more important to them https:\/\/t.co\/lGwOAktRhK<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/QIQ8FqFcRr<\/a><\/p>\n — Pew Research Religion (@PewReligion) April 29, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n