On the recordJuly 20, 2011
Today I rise before you to recognize the hard work and dedication of Archbishop Charles Chaput, who has served the Colorado Catholic community for over a decade. It was announced this week that he has been reassigned to lead the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. While I am saddened that Archbishop Chaput will be leaving our great State, he leaves behind a legacy of defending the innocent and helping the weak that we can all celebrate with pride. He first came to Colorado in 1977 to be pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Thornton. After many years of ministry, and having held various important positions in the Church, in 1977 Pope John Paul II appointed and installed him Archbishop of Denver. He has fought against anti- Semitism and other forms of intolerance, working tirelessly to advance religious freedom around the globe. His outreach to the Hispanic community is second to none. I first met him at the Colorado State Legislature where I came to know him as a man of high integrity and deep, deep faith. I admire the archbishop's dedication to all people of faith. I'd like to offer him my most sincere thanks for all of his work in Colorado and wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors. ____________________
