Today in the Episcopal Calendar we remember Absalom Jones (1746-1818) who was a house slave born in Delaware who bought his freedom in 1784 (ah, capitalism, extending even to human flesh!) and was the first black person (MAN in those days!) to be ordained (no easy road!) an Episcopal priest.

                                                                                                                                 Psalm 146:9 

Happy are they who have the God of Jacob 

for their help ! whose hope

is in the Lord

 their God.. 

set us free, 

heavenly Father, 

from every bond 

of prejudice and fear 

 (Collect of the day)