Resurrection Churches

Reopened, Resurrected

The diocese continued its spate of reopening churches. The Church of the Crucifixion which had closed its doors in 2013 became the third church in three years to reopen under Bishop Gutiérrez. Founded in 1847 as the second Black church in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, Crucifixion was once known to attract such luminaries as singer Marian Anderson and sociologist W. E. B. DuBois.

“At a time when many churches are fearful of the future, we are planting the seeds of new life and reaching new communities in the name of Jesus Christ. Living fearlessly is the only way to church growth.”

The reopened church, led by the Rev. Yesenia Alejandro, will minister to all people with a specific focus on the growing Hispanic population in the city. The United States Census Bureau estimates that over 60 million U.S. residents are Latino and nearly a quarter of a million live in Philadelphia — 15.2% of the city’s population. This ‘resurrection church’ follows similar reopenings at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and St. John's Episcopal Church in Norristown. St. Stephen’s, in the heart of the city and near two major hospitals, offers itself as a sanctuary with a weekly healing service. The church is also soon to be the site of a diaconate training center for the diocese.

The reopening of St. John’s created a space for diocesan headquarters as well as a new media center where clergy and lay people can receive training and borrow equipment. Bishop Gutiérrez

The reopened church, led by the Rev. Yesenia Alejandro, will minister to all people with a specific focus on the growing Hispanic population in the city. The United States Census Bureau estimates that over 60 million U.S. residents are Latino and nearly a quarter of a million live in Philadelphia — 15.2% of the city’s population.