[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING BISHOP C. NATHAN EDWERS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2014

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, religious institutions often play a major 
role in inspiring communities to provide comfort for its most 
vulnerable residents and to serve all of mankind. Religious leaders 
such as Bishop C. Nathan Edwers do more than say prayers--they offer a 
path to practice one's faith in the community through social justice.
  Bishop Edwers first answered God's call to serve when he was a just a 
teenager, preaching his first sermon at age 16. Bishop Edwers has 
followed in the footsteps of his father, showing an exemplary level of 
commitment to lead on the frontlines of social justice. There can be no 
greater honor than serving your community and Bishop Edwers and his 
family should be commended for the generations of service they have 
provided.
  Beginning in 1983, Bishop Edwers served at Calvary UFW Baptist 
Church. Since this time Bishop Edwers has responded to the call for 
further responsibility within the church community. Bishop Edwers was 
elected by members of the Middle Atlantic Annual Conference of the 
Unified Freewill Baptist Church to follow his father's path and succeed 
him as Presiding Bishop. It is clear that Bishop Edwers is motivated to 
serve the community through the love and support of his family, a trait 
he no doubt learned from his father.
  Religious service often goes hand in hand with social justice, and 
Bishop Edwers is no exception. Bishop Edwers has led his congregation 
in confronting and responding to social injustices within the 
community. He has opened the doors of his church to house numerous 
community organizations, such as the BOCES Alternative Special Needs 
School. The Bishop continues to serve as a member and former Vice 
President of the United Black Clergy of Westchester and is the current 
President of the Mount Vernon, New York Civil Service Commission. He is 
also a former member of the Mount Vernon Hospital Advisory Board.
  Bishop Edwers has built a legacy of continual social engagement and 
support. He embraces the challenges within the Mount Vernon community 
and inspires others to embody their religious values through practice. 
So long as Bishop Edwers recognizes social injustices, we can be 
certain he will not rest until he has reconciled such inequalities. The 
Bishop even has his sights set on bridging the gaps between communities 
around the world, through developing global community oriented 
projects.
  His devotion to his congregation and to the community is more than 
admirable; it is inspiring. I am pleased to have the opportunity to 
recognize Bishop Edwers' legacy and leadership. I want to thank the 
Bishop for all he has given in the name of service and I look forward 
to hearing about his continued success.

                          ____________________