Who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church?

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded by Richard Allen in the early 19th century. Allen was an influential African American religious leader, who became the first bishop of the denomination. He established the church as a response to racism and discrimination faced by African Americans in predominantly white churches. The church focused on providing spiritual nourishment and emphasizing social justice, which served to uplift the African American community.

While Peter Williams also played a significant role in the African American church movement by contributing to the establishment of the first African American church in New York City, he was not the founder of the AME Zion Church. Wesley Chapel refers to a particular church within the AME Zion denomination, and Thomas DeWitt Talmage was a prominent pastor but not associated with the foundation of this church. Understanding the historical significance of Richard Allen's leadership and vision is crucial for grasping the early movements within African American religious life.