[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE CONGREGATION OF CHRIST CHURCH, LUTHERAN OF SAN FRANCISCO IS 
 CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INSTALLATION OF PASTOR DAVID 
                                 ROHRER

                                 ______


                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 1996

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on the 25th anniversary of the 
installation of Pastor David Rohrer, to pay his tribute on his 
impressive and extremely productive tenure as pastor for Christ Church, 
Lutheran in my congressional district in San Francisco and to recognize 
his outstanding service to our community.
  Pastor Rohrer was born January 10, 1937, in Richmond, CA. His 
commitment to the Christian ministry has been nearly lifelong. He was 
ordained into the Lutheran Church ministry in June, 1961, and since 
that time has dedicated himself fully to his profession. Before his 
installation as senior pastor at Christ Church, Lutheran in San 
Francisco in 1970, he served as assistant pastor at Our Saviors 
Lutheran Church in Sparks, NV.
  Pastor Rohrer's commitment to his congregation and church bound him 
to the outside community. His religious leadership outside of Christ 
Church includes membership on the board of directors of the Sunny View 
Lutheran Home in Cupertino, CA, Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, 
CA, and the Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries. He has served several 
terms as president of Sunny View Lutheran Home and is currently 
treasurer of the Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries. He was elected 
and served as dean of the San Francisco Conference, Evangelical 
Lutheran Church in America for 1993-94.
  Pastor Rohrer has not shied away from tackling the most controversial 
of issues throughout his illustrious career. His leadership in creating 
equal standing for gay and lesbian clergy has earned him nationwide 
recognition. The opposition from his parent church and hostility from 
his own congregation could not dissuade or intimidate Pastor Rohrer 
from his efforts.

  The most telling mark of Pastor Rohrer's leadership and Christian 
compassion can be found in the individual relationships he has made 
with his congregation throughout the years. He has been a pastor to 
over 600 people, has baptized 172, and performed countless marriages. 
Pastor Rohrer has served his community for the greater part of his life 
and that is why it is especially befitting that on this day the 
community has come together to honor him as leader, a friend, and a 
fellow human committed to the betterment of society as a whole.
  Mr. Speaker, on this day, when we celebrate the 25 years of a 
remarkable career, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Pastor David Rohrer for his admirable acccomplishment and outstanding 
determination.

                          ____________________