WASHINGTON – At the invitation of U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Senate Chaplain Barry Black, the Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington offered the Senate’s opening prayer on Thursday. After the Pledge of Allegiance moments later, Senator Coons spoke on the floor to note the occasion.
- Opening prayer of Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman on the Senate floor, as delivered -
Let us pray. God of grace and God of glory, as this great hall prepares to open for another session of deliberations, we humbly submit our minds, energies, gifts, and graces to you that we may be men and women sensitive to the concerns of a nation in great expectation. Use the collective resolve of our United States Senate as your instrument, bringing wholeness and peace in an age where injury, indifference, uncertainties, and deficiency swirl as an immobilizing specter. Show us a glimpse of your radiance, removing all doubts and fears; liberating and inspiring, till hope and possibility become a living reality. We are forever and forever faithful. Amen.
- Remarks by Senator Chris Coons on the Senate floor, as delivered -
Thank you, Mr. President, thank you, Leader Reid. I rise simply to give honor and gratitude that this morning our opening prayer was offered by the Reverend Dr. Silvester S. Beaman of AME Zion on the east side of Wilmington, a great voice for justice in my home state. It is a critical part of our nation's tradition that we begin every session with prayerful reflection. I'm thrilled that today he's able to be joined by his wife, Renee, a registered nurse, and to be able to comment for a moment that Reverend Dr. Beaman, born in Niagara Falls, New York, who started his mission work and his service in Hamilton, Bermuda with his wife.
Early on he saw the challenges of HIV/AIDS and the risks and opportunities for worship and for mission that this pandemic provides to our community. He's been with us now 19 years in Delaware, and the two of them have been recognized far and wide in our state and region for the Beautiful Gate outreach ministry, which they launched. I think it was Dietrich Bonnhoffer who said it is the charge of ministry to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.
In partnership with his wife, Renee, they have provided exactly that sort of challenging and effective leadership, that great and prophetic voice for our community in Wilmington, Delaware. Mr. President, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have his prayer reflections begin our deliberations today.
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