[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 68 (Thursday, April 18, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               WELCOMING SENIOR PASTOR J. HEINRICH ARNOLD

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Ryan) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome and thank today's guest 
chaplain, Pastor Heinrich Arnold, representing the Bruderhof community 
in New York's 18th District.
  Over a century ago, the founders of the Bruderhof were exiled from 
Germany for their refusal to fight for the Nazis. They eventually found 
refuge and freedom here in America.
  Today, the Hudson Valley is proud to be the home to almost half of 
the worldwide community of Bruderhof members. They have continued their 
practice to lead a much simpler life, focused on family, faith, and 
selfless service, and their example has served and inspired our entire 
community.
  Pastor Arnold's leadership extends far beyond his role as senior 
pastor for the Bruderhof communities. He also serves as chaplain for 
our Ulster County Sheriff's Department and as a teacher at the 
Woodcrest Elementary School. He has dedicated his life's work to 
speaking about forgiveness and reconciliation through the Breaking the 
Cycle of Violence program. His efforts in over a dozen countries and 
right in our own community have been remarkable to follow.

  At a time where our country faces such great division, I am thankful 
for Pastor Arnold and the entire Bruderhof community for presenting 
this prayer today, blessing our government as we prepare to make 
critical decisions in the days to come.
  I ask all of us to recenter ourselves and work together on these 
critical issues laid out before us. As the Bruderhof believe, when you 
truly love your neighbor as yourself, peace and justice become a 
reality.

                          ____________________