Remembering Absalom Jones (2026)

This year’s diocesan celebration honoring the life and witness of Absalom Jones was held Saturday, Feb. 7, at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Fremont. Born into slavery in 1746, Jones later purchased his freedom and became the first Black priest ordained in The Episcopal Church.

At the Fremont celebration, Bishop Austin served as celebrant, assisted by clergy from across our diocese. Leading the procession with a beautiful Ethiopian cross was the Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, national president of the Union of Black Episcopalians and diocesan chair of the Afro-Anglican Commission.

The guest preacher was the Rev. Canon Carla Robinson, canon for multicultural ministries and community transformation in the Diocese of Olympia. In her sermon, she drew parallels between the hatred and discrimination faced by both Jones and Jesus Christ and the sacrificial lives they lived in speaking uncomfortable truths to those in religious power. She reminded the congregation that we are the hope of the future, even when faith calls us to speak the truth to the Church and to civic leaders, closing with the assurance that light shines in the darkness and love always wins.

Watch the service recording on YouTube.