Trenton – The Senate approved SJR-19, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz and Legislative Latino Caucus Chair Senator Nellie Pou. The resolution designates the first Saturday of October as “Latino Clergy Day”.
“Latino pastors and ministers in New Jersey and around the country do invaluable work to empower and uplift those around them,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “They are not only religious leaders but also community organizers who are dedicated to advocating on behalf of those who are socially, politically and spiritually disenfranchised. New Jersey’s Latino population is lucky to have such passionate clergy to guide us.”
“Religious institutions, and the people who lead them play a vital role in the community,” said Senator Pou (D-Bergen/Passaic). “I’m proud that today we honor their dedication, their contribution and their service to communities across the state, and the country.”
“The members of the NJ Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers are deeply grateful to the legislators who sponsored this legislation to declare the first Saturday of October as Latino Clergy Day, which is part of the National Hispanic Heritage celebration”, said Reverend Bolivar Flores, Vice President for the Coalition. “This is undoubtedly a great incentive to continue the work beyond the churches, contributing to the social welfare of our communities and being a positive protector and guide of the Hispanic population of the state.”
(Photo attached: Senators presenting representatives from the NJ Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers with a resolution dedicating Latino Clergy Day)