[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H7728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GLEN A. KEHREIN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Glen 
Kehrein, a neighbor, a good friend, and one of the most dedicated, 
committed, and focused individuals that I've ever known. He was founder 
and CEO of Circle Urban Ministries in Chicago, Illinois. A few days 
ago, Glen Kehrein passed away, but he leaves a legacy that will live 
for many, many years to come.
  More than 30 years ago, Glen and his family and a circle of a few 
friends moved into the Austin community of Chicago which was undergoing 
rapid change from a predominantly white community to what is now a more 
than 95 percent black, or African American, community. With his circle 
of friends, Glen organized Circle Urban Ministries, which has lasted 
for more than 30 years and has become one of the most effective faith-
based urban redevelopment organizations in the Nation.
  Under Glen's leadership, programs in health care, legal assistance, 
housing rehabilitation, management, youth outreach, leadership 
development, homelessness, ex-offender reentry, food distribution, and 
education are bringing hope and help to thousands of people each year.
  Glen coauthored an award-winning book with a black minister and 
friend of his, Reverend Raleigh Washington, entitled ``Breaking Down 
Walls,'' a model of reconciliation in an age of racial strife. He has 
traveled extensively to speak on the topic of racial reconciliation and 
has been a frequent guest on television and radio. He has been a 
contributing author of three other books about inner-city life and 
work, and has written many other articles for publication.
  Glen has a B.A. in Bible theology from the Moody Bible Institute and 
a B.A. in sociology from Wheaton College. Except for a brief 2-year 
period while studying at Wheaton College, Glen; his wife, Lonnie; and 
their three children have lived in the Austin community for more than 
30 years. In 1997, he was recognized for his contributions by becoming 
the first American to be awarded a Doctorate of Peacemaking from 
Westminster College. In receiving this honor, he joined the ranks of 
previous grantees: Nobel Laureate Mairead Maguire of Northern Ireland; 
Mrs. Leah Rabin, wife of the slain prime minister of Israel; and the 
Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Muhammad Sayed Tantawi, the highest authority 
on Islamic law in Egypt.
  Glen is a legend in our community. His family, neighbors, friends, 
and community will truly miss him; and may he rest in peace.

                          ____________________