The Philadelphia Eleven (the eleven women who made history in 1974 as the first women ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church) now have their own Feast Day in the church’s liturgical calendar -- and I am proud to be part of the Diocese of Los Angeles which helped lead way in making that happen.
Resolved, that the 128th Annual Convention of the
Diocese of Los Angeles submit the following resolution to the 81st General
Convention of the Episcopal Church meeting in 2024: Resolved, the House
of ________________ concurring, that the 81st General Convention include and
enter The Philadelphia Eleven to the Lesser Feasts & Fasts Calendar of the
Church Year to be celebrated on July 29.
Sent forward to the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2024, it was adopted by acclamation.
The resulting addition of this feast day to our calendar means that as we approach the 50th anniversary of those stained glass ceiling shattering ordinations on July 29, 2024 there are now liturgical propers and prayers officially authorized for use throughout the Episcopal Church.
The Philadelphia Eleven were also celebrated during General Convention with a tribute resolution and a moving moment of prayer and reflection led by the Reverend Dr. Cynthia Black -- a moment captured in this video clip. Yes, there are miles to go before we rest and ... how far we have come indeed!
