The Rev. Al Holland

New Interim Dean is Called

November 1, 2023

Dear Cathedral Community,

It is with great excitement that I share with you the call from our Bishop and the Cathedral Chapter to The Reverend Al Holland to serve as Interim Dean of the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Al very capably served as Priest-in-Charge of the Cathedral when Dean Judy Sullivan was on sabbatical for three months in 2019, so it is a joy to have him return to us.

Al Holland’s ministry has focused on building truly multicultural and multiethnic congregations. In the four dioceses in which he has served, in addition to being a skilled rector and interim, he has been a prison chaplain, shared in the leadership of food pantries, been involved in AIDS and recovery ministries, and been a diocesan leader in liturgical and spiritual renewal. He co-chaired the Anti-Gun Violence Task Force at Los Angeles’ St. John’s Cathedral, which aligns well with the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral’s social action initiatives.

Most recently Reverend Holland served as interim rector at St. George St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in West Philadelphia. Al will join us Sunday, November 12th, for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist.  I certainly hope you will be with us to welcome him.

In Christ,
Luisa Rabe, Dean's Warden