The latest edition of Keep the Faith, Britain's leading magazine on black faith, has published its first ever list of Britain's most influential black church leaders.
The ten Christian leaders featured in the list span the broad range of denominations within the UK. It also includes the leader of a parachurch organisation and a crime reduction charity.
Amongst the church leaders listed are Archbishop John Sentamu, the second most-senior ranking minister in the Church of England; Rev Ermal Kirby, the highest ranking minister within the Methodist church; Rev Agu Irkwu, leader of Britain's fastest growing black denomination; the Redeemed Christian Church of God; Rev Les Isaac, founder of Street Pastors, a church based response to gun, knife and gang culture prevalent in inner cities and Bishop John Francis, a Pentecostal minister who made history by becoming the first black church leader to host a British Prime Minister.
Shirley McGreal, publisher of Keep The Faith stated, "Recent research highlighted that 48 per cent of Britain's black population regularly attend church. With this fact in mind, it is understandable that church leaders have a major degree of influence within the black Christian community and beyond.
"Keep The Faith felt it would be an interesting exercise to recognise Britain's 10 most influential black church leaders here in the UK. Not everyone will agree with the leaders on the list, but there I don't think that anyone can doubt their influence."
The Top 10 Black Church Leaders in 2007, according to Keep the Faith magazine are:
1. Pastor Matthew Ashimowolow, senior pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre
2. Bishop Eric Brown, National Overseer, New Testament Church of God,
3. Rev Joel Edwards, General Director, Evangelical Alliance
4. Bishop John Francis, senior pastor, Ruach Ministries,
5. Rev Agu Irukwu, National Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God,
6. Rev Les Isaac, Director, Ascension Trust
7. Rev Ermal Kirby, Lead Choir, Methodist Church, London District
8. Pastor Nims Obunge, CEO, The Peace Alliance
9. Bishop Wilton Powell, National Overseer, Church of God of Prophecy
10. The Most Rev & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
