Freedom of religion was discussed by Eric Foner in chapter 15. Following the civil war, blacks abandoned white controlled institutions to go on and build churches of their own. By the end of Reconstruction, only 600 of the 42,000 black Methodists worshiped in biracial South Carolina churches. The Church played a major role in the black community independent of white control. It soon became a place of worship. It also became a school, hosted parties and political gatherings. Black ministers later had more involvement in politics.

This freedom was immediately realized in the short term prior to 1877. The rise of independent black churches with Methodists and Baptists commanding changed the religious map of the South. This was an immediate effect of religious freedom gained after the Civil war. Educated black officials now came to play a role in politics. About 250 men held public office after Reconstruction.

Religious freedom has also been realized in the long run up to today. There are many black churches all over the country that play a major role in their communities. Some black churches today even have their own private schools. They also hold social events and political gatherings.