In a historic move, Philadelphia’s Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church has installed the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness as its first-ever woman pastor. The appointment marks a significant milestone in the church’s 237-year history.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Cavaness, a fourth-generation preacher, previously pastored at Bethel A.M.E. Church of Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
The paper reports:
Cavaness will replace the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, who led the Philadelphia church for 16 years. Tyler is stepping down from his role as pastor to focus on his new position as the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s historiographer and executive director of its Department of Research and Scholarship.
Church leaders expressed faith in Cavaness’s ability to lead Mother Bethel AME forward.
“Rev. Cavaness brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to social justice, and a dynamic vision for the future of the church. Under Rev. Cavaness’ leadership, the church aims to strengthen its commitment to its mission of faith, service, and justice,” the church said in a press release.
As the Inquirer reports, Cavaness previously made AME history when she was appointed as the first female pastor at the Ardmore church, breaking a 125-year-old record. A Newark, N.J., native, Cavaness became a licensed preacher at 15 years old.
Read more about her historic appointment at the Philadelphia Inquirer.