[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 113 (Wednesday, August 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE INTERFAITH CONFERENCE OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON CELEBRATES 20 
           YEARS OF BUILDING UNITY AND CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 4, 1999

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the twenty years of work of the Interfaith Conference of 
Metropolitan Washington.
  Founded in the fall of 1978, the Interfaith Conference has been 
recognized as ``the flagship of interreligious organizations.'' One of 
the most remarkable aspects of the Interfaith Conference is the 
diversity of its members--Islamic, Hindu, Jewish, Latter-day Saints, 
Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Sikh faith communities. They have come 
together and achieved great success, especially in dialogue and in 
joint work on critical issues of social justice.
  There is a natural harmony among the faiths and the Interfaith 
Conference has found it in their work in this city and in this region. 
The Conference has found a way to act on faith in a spirit that does no 
violation to faith. The Washington Interfaith Conference has chosen to 
influence public life, consistent with faith, yet mindful of its 
purposes and limits.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this body join me in celebrating. The 
Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington and thanking its 
members, individually and collectively, for reminding us of enduring 
values--such as unfailing help to the needy--and for reinforcing 
enduring morals, civility in language, and in treatment of others.

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