By Gospel Express Staff

GREENLAWN, NY — The faith community of Long Island and beyond gathered on Saturday, March 8, 2025, to bid farewell to a pioneering religious leader as Bishop Stephanie Riddle Green was laid to rest at Greenfield Cemetery in Hempstead, NY. The beloved pastor of Joshua Baptist Cathedral of Greenlawn, NY left behind a legacy of barrier-breaking leadership, powerful ministry, and devoted community service.

Born in 1966 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bishop Green’s spiritual journey began in her youth as a member of Faith Baptist Church in Hempstead under the guidance of Pastor Joe Howell. Her spiritual foundation was further cultivated when she later joined Second Baptist Church of Baldwin, NY, where she served under the leadership of Pastor Drinks.

Bishop Green made history when she was selected to pastor Joshua Baptist Cathedral, a traditional African American Baptist congregation, at a time when female pastoral leadership was not a common practice in such settings. Her appointment represented a significant milestone for women in ministry within the Baptist tradition.

In 2006, Bishop Green achieved what many considered impossible when she shattered what colleagues called the “Stain-Glass Ceiling,” becoming one of the first African American women to be consecrated to the office of Bishop on Long Island. This historic consecration opened doors for countless women in ministry who followed in her footsteps.

“Bishop Green didn’t just walk through doors – she kicked them down for all of us,” said one attendee at Saturday’s homegoing service. “Her courage to stand in spaces where women weren’t always welcome changed the landscape of ministry forever.”

Throughout her ministry, Bishop Green was renowned for her powerful and energetic preaching style that captivated congregations and conveyed profound spiritual truths with both passion and clarity. Her sermons were known to bring entire congregations to their feet, combining theological depth with practical wisdom that resonated with people from all walks of life.

Beyond her public ministry, Bishop Green cherished her special friendships with Overseer Dawn Mixon, Bishop Bernita Jackson, and Bishop Jason Corbett. These relationships were frequently described as a source of strength, accountability, and joy throughout her ministerial journey.

Bishop Green’s legacy extends beyond her ministerial accomplishments to her family life. She is survived by her child, Danye Riddle, and her grandchildren, who were frequently mentioned in her messages as sources of inspiration and joy.

The funeral service at Joshua Baptist Cathedral saw hundreds of mourners from across the region gathering to honor her memory. Clergy members from various denominations paid tribute to Bishop Green’s influence on their own ministries and her contributions to breaking denominational barriers.

As the community continues to process this significant loss, many have already begun discussing ways to honor Bishop Green’s legacy through scholarships, mentoring programs for women in ministry, and community initiatives that reflect her passion for service and justice.

Bishop Green’s life story – from her beginnings in Philadelphia to becoming a pioneering bishop on Long Island – stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and the breaking of barriers that once seemed impenetrable.

In the words of one speaker at her homegoing service: “Bishop Stephanie Riddle Green preached with power, led with wisdom, mentored with patience, and loved without reservation. Her voice may be silent now, but the trail she blazed will speak for generations to come.”

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The Gospel Express Newspaper is dedicated to sharing stories of faith, inspiration, and community across the region.