Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer, affectionately known as Bishop Mary, is a lifelong Philadelphian and the eldest daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Melvin Floyd, one of Philadelphia's legends best known for his impactful 45-year street ministry. She holds a conferred Doctor of Ministry (2016), a Ph.D. (2024), and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (2021).
Ordained in 2004 and consecrated Bishop in 2009, her elevation to the Arch-episcopacy at the historic Bright Hope Baptist Church in March 2019 made history — she is the first female Archbishop of any denomination in Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In October 2023 she was vested with her pallium by Cardinal David C. Hartman-Davenport, elevating her to Metropolitan Archbishop.
She serves as the First Female President/Presiding Bishop of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy, is a certified International Chaplain, Peace Ambassador, and Deputy Chief Governor of the Northeastern USA division of the International Consulting Council — three prestigious positions within the United Nations — and is a sworn Special Deputy Lieutenant of the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office.
Passionate about souls, she has taught a weekly volunteer class at SCI-Chester since its opening in 1998, revised her father's impactful Evangelism course into a two-hour Master Class taught in schools, churches and the community, and founded the Community Healing Project 4 All, Inc. (2019) to continue her father's legacy of block-by-block community restoration.
She is also the host of the award-winning "The Bishop Mary Show" on WWDB 860-AM (Mondays 8–9 AM), a gifted musician of four instruments, and former Lead Director of The MET Community Choir at the MET Philly Opera House.
With over 58 years of faithful ministry, she has received 70+ citations, resolutions and awards — including the U.S. President's Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) and the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award (2022) from President Joseph Biden.
Her Ministry Verse
"God does not begin anything in you that He doesn't equip and anoint you to speak boldly and complete in Him. Therefore, remain steadfast — no matter what!" — Eph. 6:19-20, Phil. 1:6, I Cor. 15:58 (paraphrased)