(Charlotte, NC)–Sydnor Thompson, Retired Of Counsel in Parker Poe’s Charlotte office, will be honored by the North Carolina Council of Churches with the Distinguished Service Award, which will be presented at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar on April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh.
Mr. Thompson is a veteran of the Council’s board and a vocal advocate for interfaith outreach and cooperation. At his urging, the Council added language to the purpose within its Constitution, “To encourage fellowship and cooperation with other religions and faiths in North Carolina for building mutual respect and promoting the well-being of all people in North Carolina.”
Judge Thompson joined Parker Poe in 1954, and was a Partner in the firm from 1956 until 1994. In 1994, he was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals by Governor Hunt and served as a judge before returning to Parker Poe. He has been Of Counsel to the firm since 1995.
Judge Thompson has served as a Council delegate or board member since 1960. He also served as president of Mecklenburg Ministries from 1981-1983. Judge Thompson and his wife are members of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte.
The Council will also recognize Barbara Volk with the Distinguished Service Award and Gene Nichol with the Faith Active in Public Life Award.
“The Council gives only two awards, so those who receive them represent the highest level of service to our organization and to the people of North Carolina that we could ever expect and hope for,” said George Reed, the NCCC’s Executive Director. “Gene, Barbara and Sydnor exemplify leadership for those who believe our faith calls us to serve the least of these, to work for peace and reconciliation, and to live in a community of respect and understanding with all our sisters and brothers. We are grateful for this opportunity to recognize them.”
About the North Carolina Council of Churches
The North Carolina Council of Churches is a statewide organization representing 18 Christian denominations and committed to the twin goals of ecumenism and social justice. More than 1.5 million North Carolinians are members of congregations under the Council’s umbrella.
About Parker Poe
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has more than 200 lawyers in five offices located in major markets across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Firm provides legal counsel to large commercial and public organizations on litigation, corporate and regulatory matters. It has been recognized in recent years as one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States and as an award-winning leader in the use of technology to provide better and more efficient service to domestic and international clients.