A distinguished minister and activist, Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness is the pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. She is the first woman pastor in the 237-year history of the church. A native of Newark, NJ, she was formally the pastor of Bethel AME Church of Ardmore, the first woman in the church’s 120-year history.

Rev. Cavaness is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary of New York City.

She has held various positions in both the non-profit and political spheres. At Bethel AME in Ardmore, she was instrumental in helping to bridge the gap amongst various faith traditions and public/private sectors. Along with her congregation, she launched the first community garden in South Ardmore. The church also offers a free after-school program and a summer feeding program for neighborhood children. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys discovering new restaurants, walking, and traveling.