[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21755]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN TO THE WOMEN, SPIRITUAL MIDWIVES OF THE 
                         MILLENNIUM CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 1999

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, this weekend women from across the world 
will gather in Windsor, Ontario to celebrate 300 years of international 
diversity at the ``Women, Spiritual Midwives of the Millennium'' 
Conference.
  This weekend's conference will emphasize the important role women 
play in breaking down the walls of racism and will celebrate the 
differences that make each women unique. I would like to extend my 
enthusiastic support to the conference participants as they unite women 
from all corners of the world with their healing message of love and 
understanding.
  Leading the conference will be two dynamic women whose strong 
spirituality has defined their careers, Marianne Williamson and 
Reverend Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly.
  Marianne Williamson has earned international acclaim for her talents 
as an author and lecturer. Her words have motivated and inspired. Ms. 
Williamson co-founded The Renaissance Alliance, a non-profit 
organization applying spiritual principles to social and political 
issues, and is committed to causes benefitting people with life-
threatening illness. In addition to her other accomplishments, Marianne 
Williamson is the spiritual leader of the Church of Today, the Unity 
Church of Warren, Michigan. Ms. Williamson is a role model for young 
women everywhere and an extraordinary example of the selflessness of 
the human spirit.
  Reverend Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly's life has been defined by her 
commitment to diversity and spirituality. She and her husband, Robert 
E. Kennerly, founded the SpiritLove Ministries in Detroit. Through both 
words and song, Reverend Barnes-Kennerly has moved people of all colors 
and creeds to love and heal.
  Today I recognize the efforts of Marianne Williamson and the Reverend 
Ortheia Barns-Kennerly and encourage them to continue to preach their 
messages of unity and strength.

                          ____________________