Sojourner's Church, also known as the First Liberationist Church, was a Protestant Christian denomination prominent in the eastern United States during the 19th century. It was most famously known for its radical opposition to slavery. The denomination grew out of the participation of the New England churches in the anti-slavery movement. Among its founders was Richard W. Beecher, a preacher and abolitionist, whose pen name was used to name the church.
Much of the theology of Sojourner's Church corresponded to common Protestant Christian teachings, such as the Trinity and the infallibility of Scripture. Distinctive teachings include the inner
Light of God and the doctrine of societal judgement. Influenced by Quaker belief of Christ's light shining inside each person, it formed the basis of their anti-slavery views and abolitionist activities. Furthermore, they held that if they were able, God judged each person for their contribution to fixing societal ills and blessed the ones that did.
The church was also known for its significant involvement in politics, philanthropic work, and its advocacy of conservative principles and lifestyle. By the 1860s, their believers had significant influence over the Northern Clique and the majority of state governments, except New York, which was economically tied to to the Greater South. Local congregations were heavily involved with charity work and other philanthropic causes in their town which helped garner support and new members.
Originally beginning as a single church in New Haven, Connecticut in 1833, it grew rapidly throughout the 1840s as slavery became a national issue. It would become the leading force behind the American anti-slavery movement, helping to found and support the Brotherhood which assisted fugitive slaves escape to the Canadas. At first a proponent of nonviolent action, suppression by the Republican government led to its radicalization and a rapid increase in new members. By the outbreak of the Second Civil War, it is estimated that up to 12% of the population in the Greater North were members.