When titles like Prophet and Apostle are frequently ascribed, the person in view is someone of great stature and influence. Such is the case with the 18th-century minister and Civil Rights leader, Richard Allen. Born into bondage as a slave, Allen came to know Christ and found ultimate freedom in the gospel. Remarkably, his faith-filled life made such a profound impact on his “master” that he allowed Allen to purchase his freedom and live as a doubly free man. Allen used his newfound liberty to minister the gospel and fight for racial equality. His voice for Christ and for change still speaks volumes today. In this way, ascriptions like Prophet and Apostle are perhaps apropos, after all. 

The eminence of Richard Allen and his story is nearly impossible to overstate. Join us as we explore the life and influence of this Black founding prophet of Faith and Liberty on this episode of Faith and Liberty Rediscovered! 

• Our guest experts provide a brief summary of Richard Allen’s life (3:28)
• “Freedom’s Prophet”: Why this Old Testament title is descriptive of Allen (7:34)
• A Portrait worthy of a Prophet (10:27)
• Another biblical title is also fitting for this principle figure of vision and truth (16:16)
• “Do not make us blacker than we are” (18:49)
• Allen’s remarkable relationship with his “master”, Stokley Sturgis (22:02)
• “No heaven, but yet a haven for people of color” - Philadelphia in the 1780s (31:15)
• Allen sparks the first Civil Rights act at St. George’s Methodist Church (39:15)
• The Free African Society is founded (44:27)
• Allen’s compatriot, mentor, and friend, Absalom Jones (47:24)
• How a Pandemic revealed Allen’s merciful heart and indomitable will (55:30)
• Sowing the seeds of Abolition that were watered and harvested by Fredrick Douglas and others (1:04:12)
• The immigration option: Allen’s frustration with America’s lack of change led him to dream of equality elsewhere (1:08:17)
• Richard Allen’s incredible spirit and message still echoes today (1:10:34)

Special thanks to Dr. Richard Newman and Leonard Dozier for their incredible insights today. Faith and Liberty Rediscovered features conversations that investigate the people behind historically significant events in American history while also exploring the direct connection between faith and liberty in America from its founding to today. All from the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center which is located in the heart of our nation’s birthplace: On Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Together, We’ll bring history to life in a fun and accessible way by leveraging relevant segments, guests, and exploring topics that allow us to discover our Nation’s history in a fresh and new format. Be sure to subscribe to the platform of your choice or visit podcast.faithandliberty.org for more information.