New book tells history of Britain’s Black Pentecostal church

Seminal moments from the 1940s to present day are chronicled in Windrush and the Black Pentecostal Church in Britain by Roy Francis

BLACK CHRISTIANS: Roy Francis' new book explores the history of the black Pentecostal church in Britain

A NEW book from author and former BBC producer Roy Francis is shedding light on the history of the black church in Britain.

Windrush and the Black Pentecostal Church in Britain, which is Francis’
second, chronicles the history of the black church movement in Britain from the late 1940s to the present day.

Francis is the son of a pioneering church leader here in Britain, and elder brother of Bishop John Francis, leader of Ruach Ministries. During his youth he met many pioneers of the black church. He has also worked extensively in this arena and his background, understanding and insight have all helped inform this new book.

NEW BOOK: Roy Francis’ latest release

Windrush and the Black Pentecostal Church in Britain documents the development of Britain’s black churches and details how black migrants responded to the racism they experienced.

It also profiles the pioneers of some key black Pentecostal denominations including the New Testament Church of God, Church of God of Prophecy, Seventh Day Adventists and Church of God in Christ; highlights how America influenced Britain’s black Caribbean church, and charts the rise of the African Pentecostal church in Britain.

PICTURED: Roy Francis

There is also a focus on how gospel music helped raise the profile of Britain’s black churches.

The book includes accounts of seminal moments in the development of the black church including the opening of Kingsway International Christian Centre in 1998. Nigerian born pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo changed the game when he opened a 4,000 seater church in Hackney, east London, which at the time was the largest church to open in Britain for 100 years. 

Francis also charts the development of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, now the largest black Pentecostal denomination in Britain and touches on some of the hot topic issues within the black Christian community like should women preach, the large number of female singles and the controversy of tithing versus offering. 

A former BBC producer of Songs of Praise, gospel promoter and music agent said, Francis said: “The story of the Windrush Generation and the legacy of the churches they left us needed to be told.  

As the son of a Bishop and a musician, I was privy to many of the significant moments in the development of the Black Pentecostal Church in Britain and because of this I’m able to tell the story of a faithful, resilient people, who have built an institution which has played a significant part in raising black aspiration, lifting people out of poverty and highlighting that faith in God can help people overcome many of life’s troubles.”

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