Welcoming the distinguished Puerto Rican Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno as he visits Philadelphia and other cities in the northeast as part of his ongoing work to end the U.S. Navy bombings in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

WHEREAS, The Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno is visiting the City of Philadelphia to meet with local leaders and convey the urgent nature of the plight of the Puerto Rican people in Vieques who have been victims of U.S. Navy bombing exercises for the last five decades; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Estrada Adorno is one of Puerto Rico’s most prominent spiritual leaders well known for his relentless efforts on behalf of the poor and those who are victims of human rights violations and social injustices; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as spokesperson for the Coalicion Ecumenica Pro-Vieques (Pro-Vieques Ecumenical Coalition) Reverend Estrada Adorno has met with Congressional Representatives and top White House officials in order to bring attention to the human and environmental injustices that are being perpetrated against the people of Puerto Rico by the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Estrada Adorno is a highly respected religious official and educator who has served in varying capacities on many prominent religious institutions and associations. He currently serves as General Secretary of the Bible Society of Puerto Rico, and was Vice-President of the Latin American Ministries of Evangelism. Reverend Adorno completed his Doctorate Degree in Ministry from Emory University in Atlanta and has taught in many prestigious religious and secular educational institutions; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, the City Council of Philadelphia unanimously passed a resolution urging the President of the United States and the Philadelphia Congressional delegation to bring about a complete cease of United States military bombings on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico; now therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Extends its warm welcome to the distinguished Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno as he visits Philadelphia and other cities in the northeast as part of his ongoing work to end the U.S. Navy bombings in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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