African:

The word “African” means that our church was organized by people of African descent and heritage.  It does not mean that our church was founded in Africa, or that it is for people of African descent only.  The church is open to all peoples.

Methodist:

Our church is a member of the family of Methodist Churches.  The Methodist Church was founded by John and Charles Wesley in England in the early 18th century and characterized by active concern with social welfare and public morals.  The word ‘Methodist’ simply means that there is an order or systematic approach to our worship.

Richard Allen, our founder and first active bishop, felt that no religious group or denomination would suit the capacity of his people as well as did Methodism because of its emphasis upon the plain and simple gospel, which the unlearned could understand and its orderly system of rules and regulations.

Episcopal:

The word ‘Episcopal’ refers to the form of government under which our church operates.  The Episcopal form of government means that the chief executive and administrative officers of our denomination are our Bishops.  Their authority is given to them by the General Conference.  Their responsibilities are to oversee the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Connectional Church.