The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Bishop Michael E. Dantley

Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship
Cincinnati, OH

Sponsor: Rep. Greg Landsman, (D-OH)
Date of Prayer: 09/21/2023

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. LANDSMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our guest chaplain, Bishop Michael E. Dantley of Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship in the neighborhood of Walnut Hills in the city of Cincinnati.
 
Bishop Dantley has been the senior pastor of Christ Emmanuel for over 40 years, almost 50 years. He has worked to establish a grade school and built a program for the homeless, formerly incarcerated, and men battling addiction.
 
He has been honored by numerous community groups, including the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, and uplifts his congregation with messages of hope and healing every week.
 
As you heard today, he invokes action––to act for the good of our neighbors, especially the least of these.
 
Bishop Dantley has been a guide and source of strength for me,
inspiring me to act even when I wasn't sure I could and to act in service of those I represent, especially those most marginalized.
 
I thank Bishop Dantley not just for joining me today but for his decades of service to our community and our country.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Our Father, as we are gathered in this sacred space, we are compelled to praise You for Your goodness and mercy that follow us all the days of our lives. We are obligated to be reminded that it is You who have made us and not we ourselves. I pray that Your purpose and design for our United States will have predominance in this space.
 
As decisions are made through transparent debate, I pray that Your wisdom and insight will prevail over human reasoning and personal preference. I pray that as deliberations take place in this Chamber that the well–being of every individual's life residing in the United States will be on the minds and hearts of every legislator. I pray that party lines will not diminish the desire to see policies established that are grounded in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all United States citizens.
 
I ask this in Your name.  Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory