The Rev. Dr. Martini Shaw, rector of St. Thomas, said Wright's office asked if they could reschedule his participation for sometime in the next few months.

"The reason being that he [Wright] is simply exhausted," said Shaw. "He needs time to pray, reflect, refresh and refuel. So we are in conversation about a new date for revival."

Wright was scheduled to serve as revivalist on May 28 and 29.

A native of Philadelphia, Wright has had his beliefs and manner of preaching scrutinized recently in the media and segments from his sermons publicized in connection with presidential candidate Barack Obama.

For the past two years, he has served as revivalist St. Thomas, the oldest African American Episcopal Church in the United States and the first black church in Philadelphia. It was founded by the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first person of African ancestry to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church.

Shaw said that the revival theme "Remember the Journey: Rejoice in the Blessings," remains unchanged and that the "committee is still very excited."

"This is definitely not a cancellation of revival or of the Rev. Wright as our revivalist," he reiterated. "In fact, this just heightens the anticipation and excitement of him coming to Philadelphia."