The Rev. Carolyn Cavaness has made history by becoming the first woman and the first millennial to occupy the pulpit at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, a significant milestone amid the ongoing recognition and celebration of Black history.
As the city prepares for the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, with visitors expected to flock to its historical sites, Mother Bethel AME Church stands out. Located at 6th and Lombard Streets in South Philadelphia, the church symbolizes a rich history and continuity within the African American experience.
Recently, Rev. Cavaness joined municipal leaders at the Museum of the American Revolution to discuss Philadelphia’s preparations for the upcoming anniversary. With increasing attempts across the country to diminish the narratives surrounding African American contributions to history, Cavaness emphasizes the church’s importance.
“It’s also the stories you hear,” she reflects, highlighting how Mother Bethel resonates with the personal histories of many families who have worshipped there. Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s reminiscing about his childhood summer camp experiences at the church underscores its generational significance.
“This institution — for its longevity and what it means within Black Christianity and the American Black History narrative — especially with the 250th coming, signifies the only African American institution from America’s founding era that remains active. That says a lot, especially in light of the rhetoric of erasing history,” Cavaness asserts.
Appointed as the church’s 53rd pastor in November 2024, Rev. Cavaness takes over from the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, now the AME Church’s historiographer. As a fourth-generation preacher, Cavaness has a deep-rooted connection to the AME tradition, previously serving as the first woman pastor at Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree from Barnard College of Columbia University and a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Beyond her theological training, Cavaness has a diverse professional background, having worked as the deputy finance director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and serving on various civic boards, including the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania League of Women Voters.
In an interview, Rev. Cavaness shared insights into her historic appointment, the challenges of ministry today, and the role of the Black church in advocating for social justice.
Cavaness’s calling to the ministry came at the young age of 14, a decision that felt destined.
“I knew that I was going to be a preacher. I was destined to be one, I think,” she recalls.
She recounts a story from her childhood that illustrates her early commitment to faith. Her father’s story about leaving her and her sibling home during a snowstorm to fulfill his pastoral duties and discovering that she had taken the initiative to lead family communion pushed her towards her fate.
“It was just a matter of when in my life I would answer the call,” she explains.
Rev. Cavaness’s journey through high school and college involved preaching, after which she pursued a career in development and fundraising. Post her campaign role in 2016, she enrolled in seminary. Since then, she has been an active pastor for more than a decade.
Reflecting on her groundbreaking role at Mother Bethel, Cavaness states, “This definitely shattered a [glass] ceiling. Women are the backbone of the Black church, so why can’t one of us be entrusted to run this institution?”
As she considers her appointment at the helm of such an esteemed institution, she acknowledges the multifaceted nature of her role, which transcends traditional pastoral duties.
“It’s the presence,” she articulates, recalling her experience attending a conference in New Orleans soon after her appointment, where she received a warm welcome as the ‘Mother Pastor.’
Cavaness experienced a range of emotions, from pride to the realization of the responsibilities that came with her new position.
“I had to balance the demands of the name and the history and the legacy while knowing that we still have babies that need to be baptized, shepherding families through grief, and celebrating life events… Those conversations are very real,” she shares.
Mother Bethel AME Church is not only a place of worship; it is a cornerstone of activism and social justice, a legacy that Cavaness is committed to continuing.
“If not us, who?” she asserts, highlighting the church’s historical connection to both spiritual guidance and activism.
She reflects on the church’s founder, Richard Allen, who saw the importance of liberation from both spiritual and societal bondage. Cavaness believes that in today’s climate, it is crucial for the church to uphold its role as a voice of truth and justice.
Regarding the polarizing political landscape, Cavaness suggests that individuals identifying as Christians may not embody the core values of Christianity.
“In this moment, it provides an opportunity for the believers of Jesus Christ to counter what the culture is dictating. To be bold,” she explains, emphasizing the need for authenticity in faith and action.
When asked about her first day as the new pastor, Cavaness recalls how surreal it felt.
Appointed on a Saturday and delivering her inaugural sermon the following day, she describes the experience as exhilarating yet daunting due to the immense legacy she now represents.
“It’s having to balance the demands of the name and the history and the legacy,” she admits.
Family support plays a significant role in Cavaness’s journey. While her father has passed, her mother has been present to offer encouragement and feedback on her sermons — a dynamic that she appreciates deeply.
“Every Sunday, she tunes in. I get her critique,” she shares with a laugh, demonstrating the warmth and levity in her familial support.
Adjusting to the dynamics of leading a congregational community in Philadelphia differs vastly from her previous experiences on the Main Line.
One notable challenge she highlights is the issue of parking, an obstacle that complicates congregants’ attendance due to the necessity of commuting.
“It’s a real issue here,” she states, as many of her parishioners face difficulties finding convenient parking in the urban center.
Despite these challenges, Rev. Cavaness remains passionate about her calling and the mission of Mother Bethel AME Church, embodying hope and resilience as she leads her congregation through contemporary challenges while honoring its rich heritage.
image source from：https://philasun.com/local/the-new-mother-pastor/
