2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25105927D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 590

Offered February 5, 2025

Commending the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

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Patron—Clark

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WHEREAS, the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, an association of pastors and associate ministers in Suffolk, has greatly served the community for nearly a half-century; and

WHEREAS, the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (SIMA) was founded in May 1976 by elders from churches in the Suffolk area who saw the value of an organization that would be a voice for the local African American community and that would work tirelessly to support its needs; and

WHEREAS, SIMA has expanded and diversified its services over the years while remaining steadfastly committed to its mission; today, the organization comprises more than thirty pastors and associate ministers who meet monthly to advance the organization's advocacy and other endeavors; and

WHEREAS, SIMA has given generously to support a number of charitable initiatives, including the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, the March of Dimes, the Sickle Cell Association, disaster relief efforts, and the Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk; and

WHEREAS, SIMA has assisted an untold number of young people in their educational pursuits by annually offering scholarships to high school seniors in the Suffolk area; and

WHEREAS, SIMA has played a leading role in numerous local events throughout Suffolk, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities, Passion Week services, and its annual city-wide revival; and

WHEREAS, SIMA has been actively involved in community dialogue to address civic matters, with many of its members regularly attending city council meetings, school board meetings, and other local events; and

WHEREAS, SIMA fosters engagement in Suffolk by providing a platform through which city officials and local leaders may share information with residents and connect with their constituencies; and

WHEREAS, through various events and activities, SIMA aids its members in their spiritual growth, enhancing their ability to minister to their communities and to attend to the needs of others; and

WHEREAS, by promoting greater faith, unity, and civic awareness in the community, SIMA has helped to make Suffolk a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance hereby be commended for its legacy of service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's contributions to Suffolk and the Commonwealth.