Each year our Diocese honors the life and ministry of the Blessed Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in The Episcopal Church, who labored for liberation, dignity, and racial justice. Absalom was especially prominent in Philadelphia.

The Diocesan celebration - of music and prayer - will take place at the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli. The speaker for this event will be the Rev. Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert, a nationally recognized scholar on African American preaching. Currently serving as Dean and Professor of Homiletics at Howard University School of Divinity, Dr. Gilbert has garnered national recognition for his academic expertise. During the celebration,  a new Absalom Jones Icon will be commissioned in honor of Canon James Wynn's contributions to The Episcopal Church and his 52+ years of service. (The artist for this endeavor is Robert Lentz, OFM.)