LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bishop Eric D. Garnes upon the occa-
sion of his 18th Pastoral Anniversary

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Bishop Eric
D. Garnes upon the occasion of his 18th Pastoral Anniversary on Sunday,
May 22, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Eric Garnes completed his undergraduate studies earn-
ing a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of New Rochelle, New York
Theological Seminary Division; he completed two graduate studies
programs with a Master of Divinity Degree from the International
Theological Seminary, and a second discipline with a master's degree in
professional studies with a concentration in urban theology and leader-
ship from Alliance Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Eric Garnes earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree
from Drew University and completed his academic requirements as a
"Hilliard Fellow" designed to develop special academicians and scholars
in church renewal; he is currently an Adjunct Professor at Alliance
Theological Seminary in the Graduate School of Nyack College; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Eric Garnes is a graduate of the American Academy
McAllister Institute of Funeral Services where he received the Thomas M.
Quinn Outstanding Achievement Award and became a Licensed Funeral Direc-
tor in the State of New York; a Certified Bereavement Counselor, he
works with his family as the Corporate Secretary/Treasurer of the Frank
R. Bell Funeral Home, Inc. where they inter more than 600 persons annu-
ally; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Eric Garnes is honored to have been the recipient of
numerous other awards including the James Madison Scholastic Award for
Professionalism and Communication Enrichment and of the City of New York
Community Developers Award; and
WHEREAS, The succession and growth of Bishop Eric Garnes is listed in
great magnitude as he is the former and first President of the Pentecos-
tal Youth Congress, Adjutant-General, and Chairman of Holy Convocation
Affairs of the United Covenant Churches of Christ (UCCC); he has
progressed steadily through the ranks of the Episcopacy towards the
office he now holds as Presiding Bishop and General Overseer of the
United Covenant Churches of Christ whose churches are comprised of more
than 20,000 members globally; and
WHEREAS, The movement exists to build an innovative ethnically,
culturally, and racially diverse organization through which the Gospel
of Jesus Christ is proclaimed; it seeks to promote the growth of local
churches and to create a resourceful and meaningful networking environ-
ment for pastors; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, under Bishop Eric Garnes' leadership, it empha-
sizes the need for and importance of theological and secular academics;
UCCC is designing programs to foster higher learning in order to culti-
vate well-rounded clerical leadership world-wide; in addition, his
vision is to develop "oneness" in the body of Christ based on biblically
sound teaching and the principles and culture of God; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God will give enlightenment, guid-
ance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has administered
abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bishop Eric D. Garnes upon the occasion of his 18th Pastoral
Anniversary, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his
exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him
the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bishop Eric D. Garnes.