Resolution 190470

..Title Recognizing and Honoring Bishop Mary Floyd Palmer on her appointment as the first female President of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy. ..Body WHEREAS, On March 16, 2019 Bishop Mary Floyd Palmer made history when she was installed as the first female Presiding Prelate of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy; and WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Council of Clergy ("the Council") is a non-profit organization that is a multicultural group of faith-based leaders. The Council unites under the desire to alleviate suffering, overcome oppression, and foster justice and peace in the communities; and WHEREAS, Bishop Mary is the eldest daughter of the Philadelphia legend, Rev. Dr. Melvin Floyd, the urban missionary, known as the "Dean of Evangelism". For 25 years, Bishop Mary served with her father as the Minister of Music at Agape Christian Chapel; and WHEREAS, Bishop Mary is the founding pastor of The Samaritan Temple. She began her ministry early in life, and has never hesitated in giving of her talents and time to serve her church and God; and WHEREAS, Bishop Mary is passionate about prison ministries, and has served as a Volunteer Instructor for male inmates at SCI Chester since 1988. Often, she can be found ministering at federal, state and county prisons. She also serves on the PA Reentry Council, where she focuses her attention on finding tangible ways to reduce recidivism; and WHEREAS, In May 2011, Bishop Mary was chosen by the National Congress of Black Women to receive their Women of the Year in Ministry Award. Additionally, in 2017, she was given the Lucien E. Blackwell Guiding Light Community Award in 2017; and WHEREAS, Bishop Mary intends to use her new position at The Council for good. She will continue her legacy and be a voice for those who are the most vulnerable among us; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors Mary Floyd Palmer on her installment as the first female President of the the Philadelphia Council of Clergy. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop Mary Floyd Palmer as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration and recognition. ..End