[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 167 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING REVEREND BRUCE HENNING DAVIDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 16, 2010

  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Reverend Bruce 
Henning Davidson, Director of the Lutheran Office of Governmental 
Ministry of New Jersey, who is retiring January 1, 2011. The Office of 
Governmental Ministry is an advocacy ministry of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church of America and communicates the official policies and 
actions of the church to leaders in state government, particularly on 
issues of hunger and poverty, and more recently, immigration reform, 
detention practices, refugee issues and marriage equality.
  Reverend Davidson is recognized statewide as an inspiring pastor, an 
energetic community activist, and as an advocate for justice for all 
people. Since becoming Director of the Lutheran Office of Governmental 
Ministry of New Jersey, Reverend Davidson has been a tireless laborer 
in the vineyard of social service. He founded the New Jersey Advocacy 
Network to End Homelessness and the Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey 
and a number of other community service organizations.
  Heeding the biblical command to feed, clothe and shelter the poor and 
needy, Bruce Davidson made it his business to search out ways for 
people in need to have an opportunity for a better life. He recognized 
that the homeless are often people with bad luck--lack of a job, a sick 
child and no health insurance, a lack of education, or a traumatizing 
war experience can cause a person to become homeless and this can 
happen to any of us. He believes that no one should be homeless in 
America and inspires us to join in the fight against the poverty and 
indifference that allows this to happen.
  Bruce Davidson was born on March 10, 1948 to David E. and Anne H. 
Davidson. He is a graduate of the Philadelphia school system and Temple 
University and was ordained following his graduation from the Lutheran 
Theological Seminary in 1974. He has spent his entire career in New 
Jersey, ministering to congregations from Cape May in Southern New 
Jersey to Bergen County in the north.
  Wherever he has lived and preached, Bruce Davidson has made an 
impact, as evidenced by the many organizations that have honored him 
for his leadership in the community. He received the Equal Justice 
Award from Legal Services of New Jersey and was recognized by New 
Jersey Citizen Action and the Bergen County Chapter of NAACP. He was 
chosen a Distinguished Alumnus by the Community College of 
Philadelphia.
  I have known Bruce Davidson for many years and my admiration for his 
life's work has no bounds. He is an unselfish and humble man who 
inspires the best in all of us. He deserves a happy and healthy 
retirement, with much time to spend with his long-time partner, Donald 
Barb, and a bit of leisure. But it is hard to think that he will not 
continue his advocacy for the unfortunate. Please join with me in 
recognizing Pastor Bruce Davidson and thanking him for a life of 
service.

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