Press Release: Mayor Menino receives endorsement from leaders of Boston’s faith community

For Immediate Release

Saturday, October 10, 2009                                                       

For More Information Contact:                                         Nick Martin, 617-367-1900

Leaders praise Mayor’s work to build stronger, more inclusive city

            Mayor Thomas M. Menino today thanked over twenty local leaders of Boston’s faith community during a gathering at the Eliot Congregational Church in Roxbury at which the group endorsed the Mayor’s campaign for reelection.  Hosted by Rev. Evan Hines church, Bishop Gideon Thompson and Rev. Jeffrey Brown praised the Mayor’s leadership to build stronger communities, create safer streets, and champion partnerships to improve the quality of life for all of Boston’s residents.  Humbled by the group’s support, Mayor Menino pledged to continue to work cooperatively to ensure that the city works for all its people.

“We consider Mayor Menino a friend of ours, a co-laborer in our struggle to bring healing to our city,” Rev. Brown remarked.  “We stand here proudly in support of his effort to become mayor of the city.”

            “We are proud to endorse a mayor that has done a fantastic job of bringing neighborhoods in our city together,” said Bishop Thompson.  “Thomas Menino is not only a leader but an example of leadership in our city.  We’re glad to call him our friend, and we support the good work that this man stands for.”

            “I am humbled to have your support,” Mayor Menino told the group.  “Boston is a better city because of your dedication to improving people’s lives, and I thank you for the voice that you’ve provided for so many communities.  Whether it’s helping put a young person back on the right track or building bridges between residents and police officers, you’ve demonstrated the power of partnership.  I’m proud to stand with you to meet the challenges of the future and continue to move Boston forward.”

            Among others, the leaders present today included Bishops Gideon Thompson and Nellie Yarborough, as well as Reverends Jeffrey Brown, Evan Hines, Greg Groover, David Wright, Eugene Rivers, III, Conley Hughes, and Arlene Hall.  Mayor Menino reaffirmed his commitment to work with these leaders on behalf of the people of Boston on important issues such as CORI reform, job training and creation, and improving education for our youth.

###