[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 136 (Tuesday, October 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO REVEREND MICHAEL SNIFFEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2012

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Reverend 
Michael Sniffen, a man dedicated to serving God, his family, and the 
community.
  Rev. Michael Sniffen was ordained in 2007 and went to The Church of 
St. Luke and St. Matthew in 2010 after serving as Assistant Rector of 
St. John's, Lattingtown, NY. Since arriving at The Church of St. Luke 
and St. Matthew, Fr. Michael has created a full time Artist-in-
Residence program, opened the church to the community more than ever, 
expanded programs for children, built relationships with youth in 
detention and attracted a growing and diverse congregation.
  As part of linking the church and the neighborhood, Fr. Michael won a 
grant of $287,000 from the New York City Department of Environmental 
Protection to undertake a major green infrastructure project in the 
churchyard that will help the environment as well as create a new 
public greenspace on the block. In 2011 NYC chose The Church of St. 
Luke and St. Matthew to launch ChangeByUs--a program linking neighbors 
together to build a better city.
  Fr. Michael holds a B.A. from W.V. Wesleyan College and a Master of 
Divinity degree from Drew University. He is a candidate for a Ph.D. in 
Homiletics and Liturgical Studies. A member of the American Academy of 
Religion, a visiting member of the Academy of Homiletics and the North 
American Academy of Liturgy, Fr. Michael has won awards in Pulpit 
Oratory and Manner, as well as pastoral leadership and innovative 
ministry. For the 2011/12 academic year he was a Luce Fellow of the 
Center for Christianity in Global Contexts. He is currently Secretary 
of the board of Episcopal Response to AIDS.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Reverend Michael Sniffen 
for his commitment to economic and social justice in Brooklyn and 
beyond.
   Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Reverend Michael Sniffen.

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