At 2 Marina Blvd in San Francisco, Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church brings gospel worship together with music inspired by the jazz saxophonist. Sunday services at noon include live performances, giving the congregation’s spiritual practice a distinctive musical focus. The church welcomes people across denominational boundaries and offers a meditative setting for worship. Its approach is rooted in the belief that music can carry spiritual meaning, so come ready to listen as well as take part.
Music in worship
The church’s services bring the gospel together with the music of John Coltrane. The congregation uses music as a spiritual practice, with live performances forming part of Sunday worship.
Its approach is described as inclusive and interfaith, welcoming people across denominational boundaries. The focus on music gives the service a meditative character.
A distinctive baptism practice
The church uses sound to baptize members, rather than the traditional baptism described in the material about its practice. This reflects the importance it gives to music in its spiritual life.
The church is associated with community healing, charity and anti-racist work. Its worship connects those community concerns with the music and gospel at the center of its services.
FAQ
When are services held?
Sunday services are held at noon and include live music inspired by John Coltrane.
What is distinctive about worship here?
The church combines gospel worship with Coltrane-inspired music. It also uses sound to baptize members.
Is the church interfaith?
Its approach is inclusive and crosses denominational boundaries.
