[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 98 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1323-E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BISHOP P.A. BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2007

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker,
  Whereas, Honoring Bishop Aquilla Brooks has served his community as a 
Local pastor for 50 years and as a jurisdictional bishop for more than 
30 years; and
  Whereas, Bishop Brooks, is a man of keen spiritual insight, integrity 
and has dedicated his life to serving the spiritual needs of the 
community; and
  Whereas, Bishop P.A. Brooks, is a widely respected church and 
community Leader. Brooks has received numerous awards for his 
outstanding service to the community including the: FBI Outstanding 
Community Service Award. In 1979 the Michigan Chronicle recognized him 
as one of Detroit's outstanding men of the year; and
  Whereas, Bishop Brooks, is the third-longest serving Church of God in 
Christ Bishop in the history of the State of Michigan. During his 
tenure he has implemented programs and initiatives that have benefited 
laity and clergy alike. Due to his influence the Church of God in 
Christ launched their first credit union in the State of Michigan in 
Fall 2004; and
  Whereas, Bishop Brooks is a man of God standing firmly on the past, 
Established in the present, and important to the future of The Church 
of God in Christ. Therefore be it now
  Resolved, That Bishop P.A. Brooks be commended on the occasion of the 
Inaugural Salute Banquet recognizing his elevation to the

[[Page E1324]]

office of Second Assistance Presiding Bishop at the Church of God in 
Christ Inc.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to commend and congratulate Bishop Phillip 
Aquilla Brooks on the occasion of his appointment as Second Assisting 
Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C).
  The third-longest serving Bishop of the Church of God in Christ in 
the history of Michigan, Bishop Brooks has served his community as a 
local pastor for 50 years and as a jurisdictional bishop for more than 
30 years.
  During this time, he has undertaken a number of initiatives to 
further the church's mission and strengthen it as an institution. 
Bishop Brooks organized the first Regional Council of Bishops, which 
unites the 12 jurisdictions of Michigan and Canada and allows them to 
work together to develop programs that benefit the church. He 
instituted the First Interactive Ministerial Alliance Meetings, which 
allow local pastors to plan and implement their own agendas, including 
workshops, praise and worship, and resource sharing. Bishop Brooks is 
responsible for the purchase and renovation of Northeast Michigan's 
Jurisdictional Cathedral Center. He also helped establish the nation's 
first Blue Cross/Blue Shield program for local pastors and C.O.G.I.C's 
first Credit Union.
  Bishop Brooks has rightly been described as a man of prayerful 
reflection, honest discussion, humility, and mutual respect for all who 
have known him. I take great pleasure in knowing that the members of 
his church as well as the citizens of Michigan have benefited greatly 
by his guidance. I am confident that Bishop Brooks will serve the 
Church of God in Christ with passion, love, and dedication in this new 
capacity.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Bishop Brooks as he takes on this new role of leadership. Bishop Brooks 
is truly deserving of this high honor, as well as our respect and 
admiration.

                          ____________________