Political Quotes

“Last month, my wife, Teri, and I had the pleasure of attending a joint church service which brought together Blackwater Baptist Church and New Oak Grove Baptist Church. That occurred in Virginia's Second Congressional District, which I have the privilege to serve. The two churches were celebrating the 240th anniversary of Blackwater Baptist, and what a service and celebration it was. What was particularly enjoyable and noteworthy is that one has a largely White congregation, the other a largely African American congregation, and that is relevant, and, indeed, it is central to my point because Blackwater Baptist Church, which stood at the American Civil War, once had a slave balcony in its sanctuary. Now, the pastors of the two churches, Greg Hammer and Tyrone Johnson, they are remarkable men. They bring their two congregations together once a year for a joint church service. They are close friends, and they talk often about their Christian faith, which binds them together. They also have the courage to talk about race, to celebrate the progress that we have made, and to take on responsibly the challenges that remain in our country. Madam Speaker, this is what we need more of in America, and I commend them both and their congregations. ____________________”