The Association of Adventist Women presented a “Champion of Justice Award” to Rudy Torres, senior pastor of the Garden Grove church, during ceremonies in Seattle, Wash., on Oct. 14. “We salute Pastor Torres for vision and courage,” said Verla Kwiram, AAW president.

Others who have been recognized include Lynn Mallery, former president of the Southeastern California Conference; Lawrence Geraty, president of La Sierra University; the late Warren Banfield, former director of the NAD Office of Human Relations; and Charles Bradford, former president of the North American Division.

The Sligo church board in Takoma Park, Md., voted to endorse the ministry gifts of three women—Kendra Haloviak, religion teacher at Columbia Union College; Norma Osborn, associate pastor at Sligo; and Penny Shell, director of pastoral care at Shady Grove and Washington Adventist hospitals. The board authorized Torres, then its senior pastor, to coordinate an ordination service on Sept. 23, 1995.