March 28, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E399 held accountable for their actions to the citi- approved. Before President Obama’s recent ington Post op-ed when he decried the zens of Quitman County. appointment of Ken Hackett as the next U.S. ‘‘framework that has emphasized hard power He has served on various committees and ambassador to the Holy See, there was grow- and the use of brute force.’’ One can specu- ing speculation that the administration was is a member of numerous organizations to in- late on the motivations and intentions of considering completely eliminating the dip- such an unlikely source, but at least there is clude, but not limited to the following: lomatic mission, or reducing it to an append- an admission of the importance of diplo- 1. Currently served as Vice President of age of the Embassy in Rome. While the matic alternatives which are based on per- Mid-State Opportunity, Inc. Obama administration has been in conflict suasive fundamental principles. 2. Served as Male Mentor, After-School with the Catholic Church on a range of No two sovereigns are more naturally Peer Tutoring Program for Disadvantaged issues from abortion to contraception, it is aligned than the United States and the Holy Youth clearly in America’s national interests to See in the pursuit of diplomacy founded on 3. Past President of the Mississippi Con- strengthen diplomatic ties with the Holy See the core moral principles of the inalienable to advance our interests around the world. rights of man, his essential God-granted ference of Black Mayors The United States and the Holy See re- 4. Past Board Member of the National Con- human dignity, and the right of all to reli- main two of the most significant institutions gious freedom. This is rightly called the ference of Black Mayors in world history, one a beacon of democracy ‘‘first freedom’’ because our other freedoms 5. Past Board Member and Director of the and progress, the other a sanctum of faith seldom flourish in its absence. and allegiance to timeless principles. Despite U.S. World Conference of Mayors REFLECTING ON THE LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP these differences between the first modern 6. Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, PIETRO SAMBI, DIPLOMAT OF THE HOLY SEE democracy and the longest surviving West- Inc. The death of Archbishop Pietro Sambi, 7. Delegate and Traveled abroad to Africa ern monarchy, both were founded on the idea that ‘‘human persons’’ possess inalienable Papal Nuncio to the United States for the (Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal) to promote De- natural rights granted by God. This had been last five years, is a great loss for the diplo- mocracy and World Peace. a revolutionary concept when the Catholic matic community in Washington, D.C. and 8. Members of Masonic Lodge Number 315 Church embraced it 2,000 years ago, and was for the world. A veteran diplomat with many of Crowder, MS equally revolutionary when the Declaration years experience in Israel and Palestine, 9. Founder and Former Scoutmaster of Boy of Independence stated it 1,800 years later. Archbishop Sambi brought a depth of knowl- Scout Troop Number 306 The Church is one of the leading advocates edge and personal credibility to the diplo- macy of the Holy See which will be greatly Dwight A. Barfield’s leadership, dedication, and providers for the poor in the world, fights against the scourge of human traf- missed. remarkable acts of courage, perseverance, ficking, and advances the cause of human Prior to his posting in Washington, Arch- tireless service to all mankind and passion to dignity and rights more than any other orga- bishop Sambi was stationed in Cuba, Nica- make a difference in his community, makes nization in the world. The Holy See also ragua, Belgium and India. As papal rep- him an outstanding community activist. plays a significant role in pursuing diplo- resentative to Israel and Palestine from 1998 Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me matic solutions to international predica- until 2005, he was instrumental in the plan- in recognizing Community Activist and Former ments. In 2007, for example, the Holy See ning and execution of the Holy Land visit of Mayor, Dwight Anthony Barfield for his dedica- helped secure the release of several British Pope John Paul II in 2000 and was deeply in- volved in the Holy See’s diplomacy during tion to serving this City, County and State. sailors who had been picked up by the Ira- nian navy. Its long-standing bilateral rela- the 2006 Lebanon war, where the traditional f tions with Iran and the lack of such rela- power sharing coalition was challenged by the presence of Hezbollah. His personal credi- HOLY SEE ARTICLES tions by the British and other western gov- ernments created an opportunity for success- bility was important during this war in mo- ful intervention. bilizing the Christian coalition there. HON. FRANCIS ROONEY And more recently, the Holy See issued its His Cuba and Nicaragua experience was im- OF FLORIDA diplomatic note concerning the civil war in portant in his understanding of the chal- Syria, calling for a ‘‘concept of citizenship’’ lenges the United States faces in these coun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in which everyone is a citizen with equal dig- tries and in expressing the Holy See’s goals Tuesday, March 28, 2017 nity. It is urging the commissions which are for religious freedom and pursuance of the Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. Mr. working on a possible future constitution democratic process there. He was Nuncio in and laws to ensure that Christians and rep- Nicaragua as the Sandinista revolution took Speaker, I rise today to share with my col- resentatives of all other minorities be in- control of the country and challenged church leagues several more articles that I have writ- volved. This immediately helped place a authority and democratic institutions there. ten over the years regarding the Holy See. As spotlight on the plight of Christians and the He was involved in planning Pope John Paul a Member of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerg- ongoing exodus of all non-Muslims from II’s 1983 visit wherein the Pope challenged ing Threats Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs, most Middle East countries for the last 30 Daniel Ortega and his government. these pieces serve to outline and inform dis- years. The power and influence of the Holy While Archbishop Sambi was in Cuba in an cussions that our Committee will cover in the See is often underestimated. A benevolent earlier time, from 1974–1979, his efforts in working with the local church were valuable 115th Congress. monarchy tucked into a corner of a modern democracy, the Holy See is at once a univer- in keeping the goals of freedom and toler- U.S. MUST EMBRACE HOLY SEE sally recognized sovereign representing more ance alive. The recent release of the last of The past few years have seen cordial but than a billion people (one-seventh of the the March 2003 political prisoners in Cuba by cooling relations between the United States world’s population)—and the civil govern- the Castro government exemplifies the valu- and the Vatican. Since President Obama ment of the smallest nation-state on earth. able contributions of Holy See diplomacy, took office, he has visited the Vatican just It has no military and only a negligible econ- the result of many leaders like Archbishop once, and the administration has dem- omy, but it has greater reach and influence Sambi. onstrated little more than a perfunctory in- than most nations. It’s not simply the num- He was, in short, a most qualified diplomat terest in the Holy See’s diplomatic role in ber or variety of people that the Holy See and a man whose warmth reminded many of- the world. This is a lost opportunity at a represents that gives it relevance; it’s also ficials of the first apostolic pro-nuncio to the critical time for America. U.S. foreign policy the moral influence of the Church, which is United states, Cardinal Pio Laghi. has much to gain from its relationship with still considerable despite secularization and In meetings with him I realized his keen the Holy See, the governing body of the scandals. understanding of the unique role of religion Catholic Church. No institution on earth has The Holy See advocates powerfully for mo- and faith in the United States as protected both the international stature and the global rality in the lives of both Catholics and non- by the First Amendment. He realized, like reach of the Holy See—the ‘‘soft power’’ of Catholics, and in both individuals and na- his predecessor Archbishop Pio Laghi, that moral influence and authority to promote re- tions. One may disagree with some of the the American experiment of the First ligious freedom, human liberties, and related Church’s positions and yet still recognize the Amendment has much to offer the world. values that Americans and our allies uphold value—the real and practical value—of its in- Though it is only natural for a prominent worldwide. sistence that ‘‘right’’ should precede priest to proclaim the importance of reli- President Reagan established full diplo- ‘‘might’’ in world affairs. At its core, the gious freedom and its importance in sus- matic relations with the Holy See in 1984 be- Catholic Church is a powerful and unique taining civil society, Sambi was also an ear- cause, among other reasons, he realized that source of non-coercive ‘‘soft power’’ on the nest proponent of the freedoms of speech and he could have no better partner than Pope world stage—it moves people to do the right press. He warmly received journalists in an John Paul II in the fight against com- thing by appealing to ideals and shared val- effort to connect with an American audience munism—and he was right. The administra- ues, rather than to fear and brute force. that went beyond the capital beltway region tion of George W. Bush continued to expand America’s foreign policy is much more likely and daily withstood anti-Catholic protestors these relations, even in difficult times while to succeed with the support of the Holy See. picketing just outside his office. In times of engaged in a conflict in Iraq of which the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani recently crisis within the Church and without, he res- Holy See had strongly and vocally dis- gave a nod to this soft power in his Wash- olutely defended the goodness that religion

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Mar 29, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A28MR8.006 E28MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 28, 2017 offers the world—peace, justice, love, and from Rerum Novarum and Pope Leo XIII, but than himself comes as no surprise to those true individual freedom. he has brought a different tone and diction who’ve been able to work alongside this ex- Many times he made a point of explaining to the discussion of political economy. ceptional leader. that the foundation of the diplomatic mis- This may be the greatest result of the sion of the Holy See is rooted squarely in the papal visit—if Pope Francis experiences Gary’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He pursuits of freedom, tolerance and the pro- something different in the United States, served in numerous leadership positions within tection of human dignity. The ‘‘soft power’’ distinct from his experience in Latin Amer- the state and national credit union movement. of moral rectitude and persuasion is what ica. In Argentina, broad-based corruption In September of 2003, Texas Governor Rick drove the Archbishop in his work. and crony capitalism dominate; oligarchic Perry appointed Gary to serve on the Texas His death last Friday following a serious businesses feed off of the state and provide Credit Union Commission. He was soon cho- lung operation at Johns Hopkins Hospital is little to their workers. Many parts of Latin sen to Chair this commission’s important work. a time for reflection on the twenty-seven America, the pope’s basis of perspective, In 2015, Gary was inducted into the Credit years of official recognition between the U.S. have significant inequality of wealth, abu- government and the Holy See in Vatican sive governments and abridged freedoms. Union House Hall of Leaders. His work posi- City. In that short period, the bilateral rela- The opportunity to rise up and achieve one’s tively impacted countless people across Texas tionship has flourished into a deep commit- God-given talents is circumscribed. and nationwide. ment. Together, the world’s most influential Our challenge during his short time in the Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. state and the world’s smallest sovereign United States is to draw his attention to the It is not the end of a career, but rather the be- state combine to address serious problems fundamental American values of economic ginning of a new adventure. I heartily salute like human trafficking, extremist violence and personal liberty. This unique combina- Gary Janacek’s work and contributions to his and religious intolerance. tion of religious and personal freedom, as community. I’m sure I echo the thoughts of all As I mourn the loss of my friend, laid to Alexis de Tocqueville foresaw in the early rest in his hometown of Sogliano al 19th century, created an engine for pros- when I wish him the best in both his retire- Rubicone, Italy, I am thankful for his wit- perity of its citizens unlike any previous ment and all his future endeavors. ness and example, and also have to pause and governmental experiment. f reflect on the moral leadership of the United The itinerary of Pope Francis’ visit to the States around the world, which Archbishop United States represents the quintessential HONORING THE LATE MR. PERCY Sambi so deeply appreciated and valued. new world experience; Washington DC, the STROTHERS POPE FRANCIS’ FIRST VISIT TO U.S. PROVIDES epicenter of political power in the United HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY States and derivatively in the world. Next he will travel to New York, the locus of finan- HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Pope Francis’ highly anticipated visit to cial power and influence in the world, and OF MISSISSIPPI the United States offers an opportunity to the home of the United Nations, the ulti- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES advance our understanding of the significant mate gathering place of all nations. Finally, role that the pope and the Holy See play in Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Pope Francis will stop in Philadelphia, world affairs. And just as important, the where American democracy began. Hopefully Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Papal Visit will afford Pope Francis a Pope Francis will depart the United States er, I rise today to honor a community servant glimpse at the fundamental values at work with a heartfelt understanding of the good in the United States—providing a unique oc- and entrepreneur, the late Mr. Percy Strothers, that can result when political and economic casion to inform his views on crucial eco- who has shown what can be done through te- institutions foster individual liberty and nomic, human rights, and environmental nacity, dedication and a desire to serve his freedom. issues. Pope Francis has never visited the Likewise, if the attention the pope draws community. United States, so there is a historic oppor- from the citizens of the United States serves Mr. Percy Strothers was born on June 7, tunity to demonstrate how American values to increase their understanding of where he 1925 in Natchez, MS to the late Emanuel can help resolve many vexing global prob- comes from and what he seeks to accom- Strothers and Charity Piggs. lems. plish, another important goal will have been In 1943, after finishing high school Percy The pope will break new ground in address- achieved—enhanced appreciation for the im- joined the Army at the age of 17, where he ing the Joint Session of Congress. By re- portant and constructive role the papacy and served for 3 years. As a World War II Veteran, sponding to Speaker Boehner’s historic invi- the Holy See play in the world today, in the tation, Pope Francis will engage with the his tenure included the United States of Amer- diplomatic engagement among states as well ica, England, Normandy, Northern France, Congress as no pope has previously, rein- as in Catholic theology. forcing his role as a global leader and draw- Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received ing unprecedented public attention to his f the ATO-Medal, EAMETO-Medal, GOOD major diplomatic themes and objectives. CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT CONDUCT Medal, and the World War II Vic- Thus far in his papacy Pope Francis has OF GARY L. JANACEK tory Medal. laid out several important priorities which He married the former Carolyn Sue Webster might surface in his address and broader visit to the United States. HON. JOHN R. CARTER on October 30, 1966 and to this union two wonderful children were born. Percy remained From the beginning, the pope has made a OF TEXAS a faithful husband to Carolyn for 50 years. priority to highlight the global challenge of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES migration and the ensuing deprivation of After returning from the Army, Mr. Strothers basic human needs of people displaced from Tuesday, March 28, 2017 opened the first black owned Taxi Cab busi- their homes. The lesson of his first papal Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise ness in Vicksburg MS, which he operated for trip, to Lampedusa, resonates today with the today to celebrate the retirement of Gary L. 27 years. He also worked for Shell Oil Co. for increase in refugees from Syria and Africa. 11 years. Percy later worked for the United He urged the world to ‘‘oppose the Janacek, CEO of Scott & White Employees globalization of indifference’’ to the plight of Credit Union. This esteemed and valued cit- States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier for these people. izen of the Temple, Texas area has made real 27 years and Mail Supervisor for 1 year before Recently, in his encyclical Laudate Si, and lasting impacts on his community and set retiring in 1990. Pope Francis used forceful language to call a high standard of excellence in his profes- Mr. Strothers served his community well. He attention to environmental degradation and, sion. enjoyed serving his community as a Local His- somewhat controversially, linked consump- Gary truly embodied the Credit Union’s slo- torian and Legendary community activist. tion and waste in industrialized countries gan, ‘‘people helping people,’’ throughout his Percy was affiliated with the National Associa- with poverty and lack of opportunity in the tion of Letter Carriers, NAACP (National Asso- emerging world. career and in all aspects of life. Throughout One success of this visit could be that the his nearly fifty years of service, Gary’s work ciation of Advancement of Colored People), pope sees in the United States a people who has been vital in helping the Credit Union suc- American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213 and the also care for their environment yet offer ceed in serving their communities and achiev- Esquire Club of Vicksburg. He served as past practical solutions to reduce pollution like ing their goals. President of Vicksburg Letter Carriers Union nurturing the use of cleaner fuels, deploying When formally announcing his retirement to Branch 94, past Chairman for the State of MS advanced technologies and supporting alter- the board of directors and staff last summer, Letter Carriers Sons and Daughters Scholar- native energy sources throughout the world. Gary said, ‘‘It’s been a distinct privilege and ship Committee. Percy received a Proclama- Another aspect of Pope Francis’ diplomatic outreach has been criticism of capitalism as honor to serve our members for the past 39 tion from Mayor Robert Walker designating abusive and insensitive to the poor and the years. I have been richly blessed with a vi- November 30th as Percy Strothers Day. Percy disadvantaged. In many respects what the sionary board of directors and dedicated staff was instrumental in the development of the 1st pope has expressed is consistent with his- in serving the needs of our membership.’’ That Black Subdivision (Melinda Robinson Subdivi- toric Catholic social teaching, descending Gary chose to salute those around him rather sion) where he served as chairperson of the

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