This chapter reflects on the enduring legacy of the Moravian Church, specifically focusing on its role in the Caribbean and its influence on Black congregations, both historically and in the present day. It begins with a description of Memorial Moravian Church (MMC) on St. Thomas, which links its modern identity to European religious refugees from the fifteenth century and the church’s founding in the eighteenth century. The chapter traces the Moravian Church’s development, from its early missionary efforts among enslaved Africans to its significant role in post-emancipation society. It explores how the church, particularly through the leadership of both Black and white women, helped establish a robust Afro-Caribbean Christian community. The narrative also discusses how the Moravian Church evolved, expanding from an insular European sect to a more globally interconnected denomination, especially in the Caribbean and Africa. The chapter highlights how contemporary Moravian congregations in the Caribbean diaspora in places like New York City reinterpret the church’s European origins, with Afro-Caribbean congregations identifying more with Hussite traditions than with Zinzendorf’s Pietist legacy. This shift reflects a broader reconfiguration of Moravian identity, emphasizing a legacy of perseverance, community-building, and faith, which continues to shape the church’s identity in the Global South today. The chapter underscores the intersection of race, conversion, and community in the church’s global expansion.

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Legacies of Mission

  • Kelly Kaelin

摘要

This chapter reflects on the enduring legacy of the Moravian Church, specifically focusing on its role in the Caribbean and its influence on Black congregations, both historically and in the present day. It begins with a description of Memorial Moravian Church (MMC) on St. Thomas, which links its modern identity to European religious refugees from the fifteenth century and the church’s founding in the eighteenth century. The chapter traces the Moravian Church’s development, from its early missionary efforts among enslaved Africans to its significant role in post-emancipation society. It explores how the church, particularly through the leadership of both Black and white women, helped establish a robust Afro-Caribbean Christian community. The narrative also discusses how the Moravian Church evolved, expanding from an insular European sect to a more globally interconnected denomination, especially in the Caribbean and Africa. The chapter highlights how contemporary Moravian congregations in the Caribbean diaspora in places like New York City reinterpret the church’s European origins, with Afro-Caribbean congregations identifying more with Hussite traditions than with Zinzendorf’s Pietist legacy. This shift reflects a broader reconfiguration of Moravian identity, emphasizing a legacy of perseverance, community-building, and faith, which continues to shape the church’s identity in the Global South today. The chapter underscores the intersection of race, conversion, and community in the church’s global expansion.