Senate Chaplain Barry Black Honored For Religious Liberty Work

[Richard Myers]

Jun 14, 2019  |  Washington, D.C., United States  |  Becket Media Relations
U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black Named 2019 Canterbury Medalist

Barry C. Black, 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. Senate[ Photo provided by Becket]


Barry C. Black, 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, has been named Becket’s 2019 Canterbury Medalist for his honorable defense of religious liberty for people of all faiths. The Canterbury Medal, Becket’s highest honor, recognizes an individual who has demonstrated courage and commitment to defending religious liberty in America and around the world. In carrying out a tradition that goes back to the first Continental Congress in 1774, Chaplain Black honors his position just as the founding fathers asked — with courage and faith in democracy. Becket honored Black with the 2019 Canterbury Medal at its annual Gala in New York on Thursday, May 23. [Watch a video of Black presented at the gala.]

Chaplain Barry C. Black, Ph.D., has served as Senate chaplain since 2003. First-ever Seventh-day Adventist and African-American Senate Chaplain, he is the spiritual advisor for not only 100 of the most powerful lawmakers in the nation, but also their staff and families — a combined constituency of more than 7,000 people. Each morning as he opens the Senate with a prayer, Black sets the discourse for the day in one of the highest chambers in the nation, in turn setting the spiritual tone of the country.

In her tribute to Black, evangelist Alveda King noted, “There are those who would separate the soul of an individual from the actions they take. The chaplaincy, and Chaplain Black can be a bastion against this excessive separation. May Chaplain Black follow in the footsteps of Christ, while seeking human rights and civil rights as leaders like my uncle, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., did. May God bless Chaplain Black as he seeks the fostering of a well-developed conscience in the Senate.”

Prior to serving on Capitol Hill, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) served in the U.S. Navy for more than 27 years, ending his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. Affectionately known for sporting his signature bowtie on the Senate floor, Black is a sought-after spiritual guide and unfailing source of encouraging words on faith and unity. His books on those themes include The Blessing of Adversity, Nothing to Fear, Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven, and his autobiography of overcoming personal adversity, From the Hood to the Hill.

“Few spiritual leaders are as gifted as Chaplain Black in providing caring, courageous ministry in a pluralistic religious environment,” said Mark Rienzi, president of Becket. “For almost two decades, our nation has benefited from his chaplaincy and this year we humbly thank him for his work to safeguard religious liberty.”

The Canterbury Medal draws its name from one of history’s most dramatic religious liberty stand-offs, which occurred between Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas à Becket, the law firm’s namesake, and King Henry II of England. The annual Canterbury Gala honors the award recipient in a black-tie event at the Pierre Hotel in New York and is attended by the world’s most distinguished religious leaders and religious liberty advocates.

Past medalists include the late Nobel Peace Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel; Cuban poet and former political prisoner Armando Valladares; Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Anderson, New York Times bestselling author and radio host Eric Metaxas; Learned Hand Law Professor Mary Ann Glendon of Harvard; Orthodox rabbi of the oldest Jewish congregation in the U.S., Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik; and First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Dallin H. Oaks.

For more information or to arrange an interview with a Becket attorney, contact Ryan Colby at media(at)becketlaw.org or 202-349-7219. Interviews can be arranged in English, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

[Richard Myers]

As the end nears, we need to not forget to pray for national leaders and most especially  for Seventh-day Adventist  Senate Chaplain Barry Black. Is it not a miracle in America to still start the Senate sessions with prayer? America is no longer a Protestant nation of liberty. But, Chaplain Black has influence with an influential group of law makers, some of which will hold back the flow of evil that is spreading over the whole Earth. We know what is coming and we pray that Elder Black will be walking with Christ in the Spirit as he ministers to US Senators, their staff, and families.

[Cop]

From Catholic World Report in an article about the observance of Ash Wednesday on Capitol Hill stated,"The Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black, who is not Catholic, also offered ash distribution services."    https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2019/03/06/ash-wednesday-liturgies-held-on-capitol-hill/

My Brother, you stated, "Chaplain Black has influence with an influential group of law makers", but how is he influencing them? Is he not denying the Lord Jesus Christ by participating in the "weeping for Tammuz" ceremony (Ezekiel 8: 14), which God calls one of the "abominations" (Ezekiel 8:15)?

[Richard Myers]

When he went into the military, he found himself in a difficult situation. As he moves higher and higher, it gets more difficult to stay away from such things. There is a separation taking place. Let's pray that he will use his position to glorify God. Moses erred at the end of his life, but he repented. I don't know Chaplain Barry Black, but I am praying for him. He is in a powerful position to be used by God as we near the time when the Sabbath will be the last test for mankind.

[ejclark]

From Catholic World Report in an article about the observance of Ash Wednesday on Capitol Hill stated,"The Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black, who is not Catholic, also offered ash distribution services."    https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2019/03/06/ash-wednesday-liturgies-held-on-capitol-hill/

My Brother, you stated, "Chaplain Black has influence with an influential group of law makers", but how is he influencing them? Is he not denying the Lord Jesus Christ by participating in the "weeping for Tammuz" ceremony (Ezekiel 8: 14), which God calls one of the "abominations" (Ezekiel 8:15)?

Probably should also mention his videos where he speaks in tongues.