Very Reverend Canon Martini Shaw
African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
Philadelphia, PA
Sponsor: Rep. Dwight Evans, (D-PA)
Date of Prayer: 06/20/2019
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to welcome today's guest
chaplain, who is from my district. Father Shaw is the rector of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia. The church was founded in 1729 as the first black church in the Episcopal Church in the United States. It is also the oldest African American church in Philadelphia.
I have known Father Shaw for many, many years. More recently, I had
the pleasure of working closely with him in the Together for West Philadelphia initiative, which recently celebrated its first year of working to improve health and reduce poverty for the residents of West
Philadelphia. That is just one example from his long record of working for social justice.
I know Father Shaw has previously lived in Detroit and Chicago, but I am glad that he has chosen to live where America began, in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty and Eternal God, we pause this morning to express our gratitude.
We especially give thanks and pray for our Nation.
Praying for unity where there is division.
Praying for peace where there is discord.
Praying for love where there is hatred.
Praying for the eradication of all forms of racism, sexism, ageism, inequality, and poverty.
Praying for an end to xenophobia, homophobia, and all other phobias that might plague and poison our Nation.
Praying that we may continue to strive for justice and peace for all people, and always respect the dignity of every human being.
O Lord, bless these United States; for united we stand and divided we fall.
Unite us that we may be more loving and compassionate; more understanding and giving; more inviting and welcoming.
Bless all elected officials, the communities they serve, and every State, every Commonwealth, every city, every district, on every street,
and on every doorstep.
And now, O Lord, bless the business proceedings of this day.
O Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory