The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ) was founded in New York in 1796 as an independent black religious denomination. This black institution emerged as a response to the marginalization of the Blacks and racial segregation in the mainstream white Methodist Church.

The AMEZ Church is also described as “The Freedom Church.” The Church earned this name because of its historical association with abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman and its involvement with social justice movements in America.

The Mother AMEZ Church was the first Black American Church in the state of New York and was the only Black Church in New York City until 1808. The Church grew under the visionary leadership of leaders like James Varick, Christopher Rush, William Miller, and George Galbraith. These figures all became Bishops of the Church, with James Varick being the first.

At the center of the AMEZ Church’s governance is the Episcopacy, which is responsible for the spiritual and administrative growth of the church.