[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE GUEST CHAPLAIN

  Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I rise simply to give honor and gratitude 
that this morning our opening prayer was offered by the Reverend Dr. 
Silvester Beaman of AME Zion on the East Side of Wilmington, a great 
voice for justice in my home State.
  I think it is a critical and important part of our Nation's tradition 
that we begin every session of the Senate with prayerful reflection. I 
am thrilled that today he is able to be joined by his wife Renee, a 
registered nurse, and to be able to comment for a moment that Rev. Dr. 
Beaman, born in Niagara Falls, NY, who started his mission work and his 
service in Hamilton, Bermuda, with his wife, early on saw the 
challenges of HIV/AIDS and the risks and opportunities for worship and 
for mission that this pandemic provides to our community. He has been 
with us now 19 years in Delaware. The two of them have been recognized 
far and wide in our State and region for the beautiful Gate Outreach 
Ministry they have launched. I think it was Dietrich Bonhoeffer who 
first said most tellingly that it is the charge of ministry to afflict 
the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. Pastor Beaman, through his 
leadership, his vision, his compelling sermons, and his compelling 
example, in partnership with his wife Renee, has provided exactly that 
sort of challenging and effective leadership, that great and prophetic 
voice for our community in Wilmington, DE.
  I am grateful for the opportunity to have his prayerful reflections 
begin our deliberations today.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader.

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