Mary Phyllis
Honoring the significant contribution of Black men and women to the Protestant faith.
Pictured above is a baptismal font from the early 16th century at St. Matthew's Church in Ipswich, Suffolk, England.
Black men and women have shaped and impacted Christianity around the world for centuries. Mary Phyllis is among the first named Protestants of color in Europe. Though many details are lost to time, we do know about some details of her life and her faith.
She was born around 1577 in Africa to African parents. When she was a child she and at least her father relocated to London. There, she worked alongside a seamstress, presumably learning the trade, and she expressed her desire to learn about Christianity to her employer. She goes on, supported in some way, to learn about the faith and after some time the seamstress’ pastor interviews Mary ahead of her baptism. He notes that her answers are quite adequate and she has a good comprehension of Christianity. By all accounts, Mary Phyllis was baptized of her own volition and goes on to be a "lively member of the congregation," clearly active in her church.
The Thursday night bible study was introduced to Mary Phyllis during their Expanding the Narrative series, shifting the historical conversation about the Reformation to highlight stories of African Protestants of color in England as well as prominent women leaders in Spain, Germany, France, and Hungary. Find out more here.