Race Riot Christian Slaves

As the free blacks established themselves in Nova Scotia, religion became a crucial expression of their desire for independence. Where every other facet of their life was still controlled by whites, in their churches they were truly free to make their own rules and decide their affairs as a free people.

Religion and faith were a crucial element of the Black Loyalist experience, and we have recorded the stories of their sects and ministers.

Sections

Christianity among the Slaves

Some slaves were Christian before being freed. A powerful symbol of the dividing lines between their society and that of their oppressors, slaves began to make their own Christianity.

The Anglicans

As the religion of the Loyalist establishment, becoming an Anglican had desirable associations that were both symbolic and very practical.

The Huntingdonian Methodists

Representing a strain of Calvinist Methodism preached by George Whitehead, John Marrant brought his faith to the Black Loyalists of Nova Scotia.

The Wesleyan Methodists

The remarkable Moses Wilkinson was probably the main preacher of the religious revival among the Black Loyalists, forming the largest congregation of free blacks.

The Baptists

Only David George's Baptists were completely free of any outside religious authority.

African Religion and Black Christianity

The distinctive characteristics of black Christianity may have had their roots in African cultural traditions.

Race Riot Christian Slaves

An Anglican Chapel

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