What does the AME Church believe? The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is a denomination that traces its roots back to the early 19th century in the United States. As one of the oldest predominantly African-American religious bodies in the country, the AME Church has a rich history and a set of core beliefs that shape its faith and practice. In this article, we will explore the foundational principles and theological stance of the AME Church, highlighting its unique contributions to Christian theology and its commitment to social justice.
The AME Church is rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal tradition, which began with the establishment of the Mother AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787. This church was founded by Richard Allen, an African American former enslaved man, and Absalom Jones, another former enslaved man who was ordained as a deacon. The AME Church was born out of the need for a separate space for African Americans to worship without the discrimination and oppression they faced in white churches.
One of the central beliefs of the AME Church is the concept of divine predestination. The church teaches that God has a divine plan for each individual, and that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort. This belief is rooted in the teachings of the Bible and is reflected in the AME Church’s liturgy and hymns, which often emphasize God’s grace and mercy.
Another core belief of the AME Church is the importance of social justice and racial equality. The denomination has a long history of advocating for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups. The AME Church played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, and its leaders have been at the forefront of many social justice initiatives throughout its history.
The AME Church also places a strong emphasis on community and the importance of serving others. The church encourages its members to be active participants in their communities, both locally and globally. This commitment to service is reflected in the church’s involvement in a variety of social issues, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
In terms of its theology, the AME Church is a mainline Protestant denomination that follows the principles of the Christian faith as outlined in the Bible. The church accepts the Bible as the inspired word of God and holds it as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. The AME Church also accepts the creeds of the Christian faith, including the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed.
The AME Church also has a strong emphasis on the sanctity of life and the value of every human being. The church teaches that all people are created in the image of God and are therefore worthy of respect and dignity. This belief is a cornerstone of the AME Church’s social justice work and its commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation.
In conclusion, the AME Church believes in the divine predestination of each individual, the importance of social justice and racial equality, the value of community and service, and the authority of the Bible. These beliefs shape the church’s faith and practice, and have contributed to its enduring legacy as a vital and influential denomination in the Christian faith.
