The Formation Of African Independent Churches In The Late 19th Century

When Christianity was introduced to Africa it was well-received by the indigenous people of the land. However, conflict between the native Africans and the missionaries who brought Christianity to the continent led African Christians to break away from missionary churches and establish their own churches. Over the past century, there has been a multiplicity of African Christian movements, some of which differ vastly. However, despite these differences, scholars call these churches African Independent Churches (A.I.C.) owing to their autonomy and independence from mission churches. This essay seeks to critically assess the circumstances that resulted to the formation of African Independent Churches by African Christians in the late 19th and
In fact, by 1980, there existed over seven thousand different independent groups in Africa with a following of over twelve million people. In spite of the variations that exist between these different groups, scholars have divided the African Independent Churches into two broad categories, the first being the Ethiopian Independent Churches. Despite their name, the Ethiopian Independent Churches are not directly affiliated with either the country of Ethiopia or the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The Ethiopian churches received this title in view of the numerous times that Ethiopia is cited within the Bible. To the early leaders of African Independent Churches, these citations of Ethiopia demonstrated God's long-term interest and involvement in Africa. Ethiopian churches were established by African Christians who were directly involved with existing mission churches but who were frustrated at the racism that existed within these churches that prevented them from obtaining positions of leadership. The Ethiopian churches did not differ much from mission churches in terms of basic worship and beliefs. The principal difference between the churches was the difference in leadership. Whereas the leadership of mission churches was exclusively held by European missionary, the leadership of the Ethiopian independent churches was exclusively
These areas of unity are imperative in what they tell us about African interpretations of Christianity. The first area of note is that all African Independent Churches are headed by strong, charismatic leaders who are accepted to have a direct relationship with God. Leaders of African Independent Churches are believed to have the unique ability to communicate with God directly through prayers, dreams and possession by the Holy Spirit. Another commonality between the different African Independent churches is that they allow for women to play an active role in leadership. Finally, the adaption of Christianity to indigenous African beliefs, values and practice is a key aspect that is shared by all African Independent