The merging of Christianity with traditional African beliefs and practices is widespread throughout Africa and has resulted in churches with rich and elaborate forms and liturgies. Such churches have often been regarded with suspicion by both governments and established churches. Ane Marie Bak Rasmussen traces the history of the Independent Holy Spirit Churches, through divisions and persecution, to their ultimate emergence as the African Church of the Holy Spirit. Unravelling the complex theology and practice of the churches, she describes their loose organizational structure and charismatic forms of worship. In particular, Rasmussen shows how they grew out of the colonial experience, citing taxation under colonial government, forced labour, the undermining of traditional tribal and clan authorities and white settlement on African lands, as key factors in explaining the emergence of the churches. She shows how Africans saw their traditional societies breaking down and how the churches came to fulfil a need to provide a form of solidarity.