[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DOUG TANNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man and a 
moment in history. The U.S. Congress has been blessed by the vision and 
the faith of the Reverend Douglas Tanner, and we have been deeply moved 
by his invocation today.
  Mr. Speaker, it takes wisdom to lead the leaders of men. It takes 
faith to hear the voice of the spirit through the rush and tumble of 
the U.S. Congress. But the Bible says that ``many are called, but few 
are chosen.''
  God knew that the humility and the faith of Rev. Doug Tanner would 
serve as a powerful witness among us. As the founder and leader of the 
Faith and Politics Institute, he has led us on a moral mission. He has 
led us on a journey of the soul through meditation and prayer. He has 
led us through the pilgrimages through Alabama, Tennessee, and 
Virginia. He has helped to remind us that our faith is the key to all 
that we can accomplish here.
  Mr. Speaker, when historians pick up their pens and write the story 
of this Congress in the latter part of the 20th century and the first 
part of the 21st century, they will have to say that one man, who was 
not chosen by men, but was chosen by God, led Democrats and 
Republicans, Members of the House and the Senate to understand that the 
way of peace, the way of love, the way of non-violence is the more 
excellent way.
  Doug, we are deeply indebted to you for all that you have done to 
help build Beloved Community. We are deeply grateful for your vision, 
for your courage and your faith.

                          ____________________