Bishop Stanley F. Thomas (1930 - 2010), a devoted minister and respected community figure, committed his life to serving and uplifting others. Born in Manchester, Jamaica in 1930, he earned his theological degree from the Union Theological Seminary in Kingston. Bishop Thomas married Fay James in 1961, and as a young pastor immigrated to the United States with his family in 1967, settling in Queens, New York.
Bishop Thomas' pursuit of religious scholarship continued at the Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, culminating in a master's and doctoral degree from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. His journey brought him to Staten Island in 1978 where he assumed the role of pastor at Vanderbilt Moravian Church. In 1982, he was elected Bishop of the Moravian Unity and was consecrated at New Dorp Moravian Church.
Though he officially retired in 1995, Bishop Thomas' service to his community continued unabated. He frequently delivered sermons at churches across the New York metropolitan area and stepped in as interim pastor at multiple churches. As Bishop, he was responsible for guiding over 100 Moravian churches in the United States and Canada.
A staunch advocate for social justice, Bishop Thomas established Christian Action for Renewal & Development in 1999. Recognizing societal challenges, particularly those affecting seniors and youths, Bishop Thomas engaged in dialogues with members of the New York Metropolitan Moravian Churches. After several prayerful meetings and in-depth brainstorming sessions, his vision began to materialize into an organization that aimed to address senior housing and affordable health care shortages, and to create youth-oriented programs to help them discover their inherent potential.
Remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bishop Thomas was widely known for his infectious smile, his wit, and his unwavering commitment to service. He left an indelible imprint as a true servant leader, making a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals. His legacy continues to inspire.
