WILMINGTON, Del. - Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) issued the following statement after the passing of Bishop Aretha E. Morton, at the age of 85 — the first female pastor of a Baptist Church in Delaware,.

“It is with a heavy heart but a grateful spirit that I join thousands of Delawareans in celebrating the life of Bishop Aretha E. Morton. I felt privileged to know Bishop Morton as a mentor, confidante and friend - and in that, I know I was not alone. Her generous spirit and humble ministry fostered truly remarkable relationships with people of every age, background, and denomination.

“As the first female pastor of a Baptist church and first female and African American chaplain of the Wilmington Fire Department, among so many other extraordinary feats, she pioneered the way for Black women in the clergy – an example that will undoubtedly impact generations to come.

“Through life’s greatest triumphs and tribulations - it was Bishop Morton’s counsel and ministry so many of us relied upon. And that ministry was never limited only to the pulpit. Bishop Morton was such an integral part of the fabric of our community. With service as her family’s mission, she led the way and put into practice what she preached. Her work through the Interdenominational Ministers Action Council (IMAC) and the Hope Commission touched thousands of lives and created a brighter future for so many.

“In recounting her own life and ministry in her autobiography - Bishop Morton chose to title the work, ‘Heap See But Few Know.” Bishop Morton was one of the few - she truly knew God. But the blessing of Bishop Morton’s life is, because of her ministry, so many more came to know God’s light and love.

“That legacy is now carried on by her remarkable family and all she inspired - in that same spirit of service. I send my deepest condolences to Bishop Morton’s family, friends, and members of her beloved church, the Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral. We’ll all deeply miss her but as she returns to her maker, let us rejoice in her life.”