African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (often confused with AME Church)

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion) is a historically Black Protestant denomination founded in 1821 in the United States to serve and empower African Americans facing racial discrimination. It emphasizes social justice, education, and spiritual growth. While often confused with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the AME Zion Church exists as a separate denomination with its own governance and history. Both denominations are part of the broader Methodist tradition but have distinct origins and organizational structures, making the AME Zion a vital contributor to Black religious life and advocacy.