ABSTRACT
African-initiated Pentecostal churches represent an increasingly important addition to the British religious landscape, especially in London. This chapter focuses on one particular Nigerian-led denomination, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), founded in 1952 by Josiah Akindayomi. It begins with a historical overview of African-led churches in Britain before discussing the factors behind the RCCG's popularity and growth. The chapter follows the studies that adopt a more holistic approach by taking account of sociological, theological and missiological factors behind their emergence and growth. The spread of African-led churches to Britain must be understood within the context of social and religious developments in home and host countries. In the literature, African churches in diaspora are often referred to as 'migrant' or 'immigrant' churches due to their capacity to cater for the needs of African immigrants. From the 1960s poor governance and economic decline at home, combined with a relatively liberal immigration policy, resulted in a large African Christian migrant community.
