Historic Black Churches Join In—and Opt Out of—America 250

July 3, 2026 · 1 min read

In the days leading up to America’s 250th anniversary, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is joining the festivities in Philadelphia. The church, the first-ever AME congregation, which was once a stop along the Underground Railroad, has been welcoming visitors interested in learning about its history and founder, Richard Allen. Some members gathered on Read more...

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Παρασκευή Παπαγεωργίου

It is very moving to learn about Richard Allen and the history of the Bethel Metropolitan Community Corps, which was a station on the Underground Railroad. I think about how much our religion is always an object of love and hospitality, as our churches in Patras protected people in difficult times.

Alexandru Barbu

I visited the church in the center of Iasi in July, when I saw that it also started as a small community, as the article about Mother Bethel says. What do you say if we turned our attention more to our local communities, not just historical events?

Đorđe Simić

As someone who visited the monastery near Niš where they once hid people in difficult times, I understand why Mother Bethel simultaneously opens its doors to visitors and stays away from big celebrations. Richard Allen and that Underground Railroad story are real and not just for parade. Perhaps it is wiser, as Alexandru says, to look more at what is happening in our small parishes here.

Elena Barbu

Yes, that small church in Iași also stuck in my mind - I went there with some friends two years ago and we were impressed by how close-knit the surrounding community was. You are right, perhaps it would be more useful to look at what is happening in our parishes now, not just what it was 250 years ago. What would you concretely do in your parish to strengthen these local ties?

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