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Black, African Brits are one of the UK’s fastest growing communities. In the last census 1.5 million people said they were Black, African and British – it’s a community that’s tripled in size in the last twenty years. British Nigerian broadcaster Jumoké Fashola travels across the country to ask what it means to be Black, African and British and to explore how these communities are shaping British politics, faith, business and culture today.

Episode 2: Black, African and British in Faith and Belief

In our cities, towns and villages Britain’s Black African churches, mosques and places of worship are helping to reshape our understanding of faith, community and belief. At a time when fewer people than ever in UK consider themselves as religious and Christianity in the UK is in decline with smaller and older congregations, it is often African migrants that are keeping churches open. These faiths, denominations and traditions are hugely diverse and are informed by different communities – whether Nigerian, Ghanaian, Somali, Sudanese or the many other peoples from across the African continent who now call Britain home.

You can find worshippers not just in traditional church buildings, temples or mosques but in former bingo halls, old shops, in warehouses on industrial sites or in small rooms in people’s homes. Congregations can range from less than a handful of people to mega-churches with thousands in attendance.

Jumoké speaks to faith leaders, worshippers and believers about how African migration is redefining how we think about belief and community.

The Rev’d Doctor Israel Olofinjana talks to Jumoké about the ‘reverse mission’ and the determination of African-led churches to bring Christianity back to the centre of British life.

The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover and the Bishop in Canterbury talks to Jumoke about what finding a place of worship can mean for African migrants.

Community activist Ali Abdi takes Jumoké on a tour of Cardiff’s Butetown and shares how his community work to support the Somali community is driven by his faith.

Pentecostal Pastor Akinola Abiona welcomes Jumoké to a Sunday service and tells us about the role he believes the church can play in providing social support in local communities.

Father Paul Hutchins of Holy Trinity Blakely explains how his parish in Manchester has been revitalised by African migration.

Produced by Mugabi Turya

You can join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #BlackAfricanBritish

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