[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 80 (Thursday, June 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S5583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REVEREND DR. GUS ROMAN

  Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I welcome Rev. Gus Roman from Canaan 
Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Reverend Roman is a giant among pastors 
in Philadelphia. He has held many leadership positions within the 
clergy, within the city of Philadelphia, and has been the right arm of 
Rev. Leon Sullivan, who may be a giant among giants within Philadelphia 
and around the world.
  In particular, I refer to his work reaching into Africa, working on 
AIDS projects with the terrible scourge that is crossing Africa today. 
Reverend Roman is on the front line urging not only his church but 
other churches to respond to the need in America, as well as the 
wonderful things we have been able to accomplish--Reverend Roman and 
myself and others--in the community in Philadelphia. He has been a 
great leader, someone who has been a real tour de force not only in 
evangelizing the word of God but in putting God's will into action in 
the community.
  It is an honor to have him here today. We certainly welcome him 
wholeheartedly to the Senate.
  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I join my distinguished colleague, 
Senator Santorum, in words of praise for Rev. Gus Roman. As a fellow 
Philadelphian, I have had an opportunity to watch his work. He has an 
outstanding record and an outstanding reputation.
  It was very nice of him to come to Washington and lead the Senate in 
the opening prayer. When Senator Santorum makes comments about the work 
of Reverend Sullivan, that has been acclaimed nationally and 
internationally. I had my first opportunity to work with Reverend 
Sullivan many years ago when he took a deserted police station in north 
Philadelphia and turned it into the Opportunities Industrialization 
Corps, providing job training. It is worthy to note that Reverend 
Sullivan is in town today. There is an African American summit dinner 
tonight at the ballroom of the Washington Hilton--not to give too many 
advertisements in conjunction with the prayer.
  Reverend Sullivan's work, as Reverend Roman's work, is very 
distinguished and a great contribution to America.

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