Join us on the 250th anniversary of the country for a conference celebrating Philadelphia’s central role in the founding and the creation of the first black denomination. Hear Professor Cornel West’s inspiring address on the historic role of the Black Church, and Mayor Cherelle Parker’s challenging discussion of the power of the Black Church to impact current issues in the city.

The conference will include engaging and informative panels on religious freedom at the founding and in the present and the concerns of pastors in the Tri-state area.

A welcome event at Mother Bethel will feature a film on “Philadelphia's pivotal role in shaping the ‘New World’ after the American Revolution.” Our closing banquet will honor Bishop J. Louis Felton’s leadership in the city.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity and Mother Bethel AME Church.