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PENNSYLVANIA: In Philadelphia, Desmond Tutu visits nation’s first black Episcopal church
[Episcopal News Service] Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town Desmond M. Tutu accepted an invitation from the Rev. Martini Shaw, rector of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to attend services for the first time April 6 at the historic church.St. Thomas is the oldest African American Episcopal Church in the United States and the first black church in Philadelphia. It was founded by the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first person of African ancestry to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church.
"Archbishop Tutu’s presence enriched and empowered us to continue to strive for justice, peace, equality and the eradication of oppression for all God's people," said Shaw.
Tutu and others with him were seated in the church’s front pew and participated as members of the congregation for the worship service.
“The entire congregation welcomed him with a standing ovation,” said Shaw. “We presented him with a framed portrait of the Rev. Absalom Jones and he thanked the congregation for its years of support and prayers.”
Martini said Tutu observed and reverenced the altar with the remains of Jones and “gladly gave thanks” for the portrait of himself that is part of the Black Saints window of the church.
"One of the highlights of his visit was the opportunity it afforded our church school children and teenagers to meet such a prophetic man who has touched the lives of so many in our world," explained Shaw.
Following the Eucharist, Tutu was greeted by the clergy, vestry, and staff.