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WASHINGTON D.C., U.S.A., June 21, 2003: For 25 years, and most recently as the U.S. Navy’s chief of chaplains, Pastor Barry C. Black has led interfaith services on aircraft carriers and destroyers and counseled military personnel. Now, after retirement from the military August 15, 2003, the rear admiral is set to become spiritual counselor to members of the U.S. Senate as its official chaplain. “I was elated when the opportunity to provide ministry there came available,” said Black, who loves the pluralistic religious environment of the military and sees a parallel in the multi-faith makeup on Capitol Hill. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist named Black this week as 62nd Senate chaplain, the first African American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to be appointed chaplain in either house of Congress. His appointment is subject to approval by the full Senate, which is expected. Members of the Seventh-day Adventist faith follow Old Testament dietary restrictions, which include no shellfish or pork, and are encouraged to be vegetarians. Black said that he is a “vegetarian by choice,” not requirement. The most visible duty of the Senate chaplain is opening each session with a prayer — or providing a guest chaplain to do it — and Black said he would follow the lead of his predecessor in using such general terms as “Lord ” and “God’ to address the deity and closing with such phrases as “in Your name.”

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