October 20, 2005

Dear Friends:

It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 11th Annual Award and Recognition Banquet for the Council of Churches of the City of New York.
New York City, which was founded upon the virtues of cooperation, diversity, and tolerance, is proud to be home to the oldest ecumenical organization in the United States. Founded in 1815 as the Brooklyn Mission Society, the Council now boasts 50 denominational members and affiliated agencies throughout our City’s five boroughs. This pioneering organization ensures that New Yorkers of different faiths never lose sight of their common humanity.

Tonight we honor clergy and lay leaders who have shown exceptional foresight in their important work. We are especially proud to recognize the winners of this year’s Extraordinary Leadership Awards: Reverend Dr. Adolfo Carrion, Sr.; Reverend Dr. Joseph Young Choon Chang; Reverend Dr. David E. Schroeder; and the Right Reverend Bishop Orris G. Walker, Jr. These men, along with the recipients of the Outstanding Ministry Awards and the Exceptional Service Awards, embody New York City’s highest ideals.

Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable event and continued success.

Sincerely,

Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor