[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E639-E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING REVEREND PEG CHEMBERLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2017

  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Peg 
Chemberlin, for her many years of public service to the citizens of the 
Fifth Congressional District, the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC), 
and to the great state of Minnesota.
   As the leader of the MCC since 1995, Reverend Chemberlin has led the 
organization into one of the premier state councils of churches in the 
nation. The Rt. Rev. James L. Jelinek, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese 
of Minnesota, described Reverend Chemberlin as, ``both a professional 
and a volunteer, with the gift of leadership and inspiration.'' During 
her time leading the MCC, the membership has grown by over 30 percent, 
half from historic Black Churches.
   She has been a key voice against religious bigotry, working hard to 
unite interfaith communities, foster interfaith solidarity, and to 
uphold the constitutional right to religious freedom without the fear 
of violence. Following the attacks of 9/11, she organized a diverse 
group of faith leaders for a massive gathering at the Minnesota State 
Capitol. She also aided in organizing a broad group of religious 
leaders, including Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hindus,

[[Page E640]]

and more to pray after the 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis.
   Reverend Chemberlin also had the honor of being the 25th President 
of the National Council of Churches from 2009 to 2011. She was the 
first Minnesotan and the fourth woman to hold that position. The NCC 
has been a leading force in increasing collaboration among various 
Christian groups throughout the United States.
   Reverend Chemberlin has also been the recipient of numerous awards, 
including former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson's Woman of Excellence 
award in 1994, the NOVA (Non-Violent Alternatives) Peace and Justice 
Award presented by St. Cloud State University, and Angel of 
Reconciliation award from Unity Baptist Church.
   After 21 years, Rev. Peg Chemberlin has chosen to retire. Twenty-one 
years of mobilizing faith communities to engage in civic matters, 
strengthening ties within different religious denominations, and 
emphasizing the importance of welcoming refugees to our nation. Through 
her accomplishments, she has excelled in bringing to life MCC's mission 
to manifest unity in the church and to build the common good in the 
world.
   I commend Rev. Peg Chemberlin, and all she has done for the state of 
Minnesota. I want to thank her for her dedication and service in 
creating interfaith connections and a safe atmosphere for people of all 
faith communities.

                          ____________________