SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 166
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the Reverend Dr. Sarah F. Davis for her spiritual 
leadership as pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal 
Church in San Antonio; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Davis was appointed pastor of the 
112-year-old church in 1997 after serving as pastor of three 
other congregations; the first woman in Texas to receive an 
appointment to a major African Methodist Episcopal Church, she is 
a former corporate manager and administrator who brings a unique 
approach to her ministry; and
	WHEREAS, Reverend Davis earned a bachelor's degree from the 
University of North Texas, a master's degree from Pace University 
in New York, a master of divinity degree from the Houston 
Graduate School of Theology and a doctor of ministry degree from 
Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology; she 
completed postgraduate studies at Auburn School of Theology in 
New York and Harvard Divinity School; and
	WHEREAS, Widely regarded as a trailblazer among women in 
her church, Dr. Davis has assumed many leadership positions; she 
serves as chair of a number of boards of examiners, is a member of 
the General Board of the church and was nominated by the church to 
serve on the 500-member World Methodist Council; and
	WHEREAS, The courageous, creative and energetic church 
leader is heard daily on the popular radio show, "Hold On To Your 
Hope," and is much sought after as a preacher, teacher, 
revivalist and seminar leader; and

	WHEREAS, A woman of spiritual depth and devotion,
Pastor Davis is a source of inspiration to many; she has prayed 
for and counseled her church members and others during their 
hardships and in times of bereavement, and she has traveled 
throughout the world to spread the message of her ministry; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Davis has had a positive influence on the 
lives of countless Christians and is truly a beloved and highly 
respected church leader; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend the Reverend Dr. Sarah F. Davis 
for her outstanding contributions to the African Methodist 
Episcopal Church and the citizens of Southwest Texas; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                       Zaffirini




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 13, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate