In this article written by Father Earl Neil for The Black Panther, the role of the Black church in the lives of Black people but its significance and importance as a resource comes to light. 

“The Black church’s mission and purpose is to see to its utmost that Black People and other oppressed peoples survive, with dignity and humanity, American racism and capitalism.” The role of the church was much more than just a spiritual center it was a space that mobilized people. For decades the Black church has been a resource for those who sought help whether it was in a spiritual or literal form. The Black church served as a refuge for many slaves who escaped looking for freedom as well as a place to plan and carry out future escapes. 

In the second phase of the Black church (1831- end of the civil war) Rev. Nat Turner would lead a rebellion killing 50-60 whites striking fear into white Americans. The dynamic and success of the Black church in the south would change as the presence of white observers being present controlled how far the Black church could help. In the north the story was different, working off the success of the south, Black churches continued to play a pivotal part in freeing slaves as they became waystations for the underground railroad.

With the emergence of Jim Crow, the Black church would serve as an escape for Blacks from a society that had built many laws against them. The Black church was no longer in the forefront against issues being faced by Black people and would stay dormant until the civil rights era. The Black church rose to prominence again with figures such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Black church once again served as a resource for change.

Father Neil would place a call for action for Black churches to step up and join forces with the Black Panther Party and creating survival programs for the community. Using the space of the church as a host and sponsor for planning and implementing survival programs. Using church resources such as money or skills from the church members in helping the Black Panthers, too name a few. Father Neil showed the community that together the Black church and the Black Panthers could unite and destroy the oppression and exploitation placed towards the community.