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PHILADELPHIA — Historic figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Betsy Ross once gathered in the venerable wooden pews of Christ Church, a site that played a pivotal role in colonial America’s break from the Church of England and the establishment of the U.S. Episcopal Church.
Close to Independence Hall, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church occupies the oldest continually owned land by Black Americans. This church serves as the birthplace of the nation’s first Black denomination.
These two congregations, both emerging in Philadelphia, have persisted through the centuries as significant spiritual havens for many residents. As a contentious presidential election looms in Pennsylvania—recognized as a crucial swing state—members of both churches express the importance of their roles amid escalating political divisiveness akin to the concerns once voiced by the Founding Fathers.
Jeanette Morris, a parishioner at Christ Church and a registered Republican, shares her apprehension, stating, “We’ve grown as a nation, but currently, we’re at a standstill. We’re terribly divided.” Morris, who previously supported former President Donald Trump, intends to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election due to her advocacy for reproductive rights, especially concerned about healthcare access after the repeal of Roe v. Wade.
Reflecting on the myriad of divisive topics today—ranging from abortion and immigration to taxation and climate change—Morris believes the political atmosphere has paralyzed Washington. “Nothing is getting done because there’s no consensus,” she lamented after a service, adding, “I pray every Sunday that we can move past this.”
The political climate certainly feels intense, as this election marks the first since the Capitol insurrection, an episode of violence fueled by claims of a rigged 2020 election. Keith Matthews, 61, a member of Mother Bethel AME, remarked, “Although slavery has been abolished and the Civil Rights Act is now in place, there remains a lack of unity within the U.S. There’s still significant hatred and misunderstanding between races.”
Both churches are steeped in a rich history of political turbulence dating back to the nation’s founding. Christ Church, established in 1695 by Philadelphia colonists, was a melting pot of loyalists, patriots, slaveowners, and enslaved people who gathered under one roof to hear contrasting sermons regarding independence.
Anglican ministers loyal to the British monarchy led prayers for the king until July 4, 1776, when the church’s vestry famously removed the king’s name from the Book of Common Prayer, marking a dramatic act of defiance. This historical volume resides today in an underground museum, symbolizing the church’s revolutionary fervor.
John Fea, a history professor, commented on this period of deep political strife, noting that despite a prevailing belief in unity, the early American republic experienced significant polarization, much like the current era. Throughout the 1780s, debates raged on how to extend revolutionary principles of freedom to all citizens.
The Rev. Jacob Duché, who led prayers as the first chaplain of the Continental Congress, initially appeared moderate but later sided with loyalists. His subsequent communication to Washington advocating for peace with the British led to his being labeled a traitor, blocking his return to Pennsylvania. Conversely, the Rev. William White, his successor, became the first presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, credited with maintaining church unity during these tumultuous times.
Today, the Rev. Samantha Vincent-Alexander serves as the first woman rector in Christ Church’s 300-year history. She acknowledges the difficulty of navigating the current political landscape: “Most of our congregations are not a unified voting bloc, reflecting the diversity of opinion much like during the Revolutionary War.”
Members take pride in Christ Church’s significant historical contributions to American independence but grapple with complex legacies. Some congregants, connected to the church’s early days, were involved in slavery, creating a complicated narrative that intertwines the church’s history with the ideals of freedom and democracy.
One notable figure, Absalom Jones, served as a Black priest following his emancipation and played a role in establishing the Free African Society of Philadelphia, advocating for the rights of free Black individuals.
In the late 18th century, the African Methodist Episcopal Church emerged as a powerful force against racial injustice. Its founder, the Rev. Richard Allen, was born into slavery but fought for the rights of Black worshippers after facing segregation in white Methodist churches.
Mother Bethel AME became a refuge for those seeking freedom from slavery while also acting as a crucial site for the Civil Rights Movement in America. Today, it has over 2.5 million members worldwide. The Rev. Mark Tyler, current pastor, emphasizes the ongoing struggle for racial equality, particularly in light of past and potential future political challenges.
During a recent sermon, Tyler encouraged his congregation to engage in the electoral process. Following the service, members discussed America’s founding principles and their implications today. Parishioner Donna Matthews reflected, “Our founders were visionary in many ways, but they also upheld slavery and disenfranchised women. There’s more to change.”
After the service, Tayza Hill led a tour of the church’s museum, highlighting its historical significance. She feels that understanding this history is crucial as democracy faces contemporary challenges and believes the church plays a vital role in preserving this legacy. “It’s imperative that we ensure this history is not erased,” she said. “As a nation and a church, we have a responsibility to uphold the rights of everyone to achieve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
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