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Congressional Daily Record
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April 23, 2026
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heart both grateful and heavy to honor Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.—a faithful pastor, distinguished scholar, tireless leader, and a dear, longtime friend—as he retires as Presiding Prelate of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. An event to celebrate his remarkable stewardship and ministry sponsored by the Sixth Episcopal District, West Georgia Region, will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Page-Doleman Complex in Columbus, Georgia.
been shaped by faith, learning, and service. Valedictorian of Walker High School, a graduate of the University of Mississippi, and a scholar who earned both the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Theology degrees with honors from the Interdenominational Theological Center in cooperation with Emory and Columbia, he has modeled the union of intellect and piety. As a member of Theta Phi honor society and as an esteemed teacher and lecturer at institutions including Candler, Columbia, and Princeton, Bishop Brown has formed minds even as he formed hearts.
Mississippi and Georgia, Rice Chapel, Murray Memorial, St. James, Butler Street, College Park, and as organizing pastor of Good News Community Church. From 1990 to 2006, he served with distinction as the sixth President and Dean of the Phillips School of Theology at ITC, where he oversaw the formation of more than ninety-five graduates and founded the Annual C.M.E. Pastors' Conference, an enduring gift to clergy development.
Elected the 54th Bishop of the C.M.E. Church in 2006, he shepherded the Fourth Episcopal District and, since 2018, the Sixth Episcopal District, while chairing the Department of Christian Education. His episcopal ministry deepened clergy formation, strengthened congregational life, and extended the church's witness in justice and mercy. A sought-after preacher, professor, and conference delegate— both national and international—Bishop Brown has represented the C.M.E. Church with dignity, wisdom, and prophetic compassion. He has been a founding member of the Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta and a steadfast advocate for the homeless and the condemned, living out Scripture's call to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40).
Beyond titles and honors, Thomas Brown has been my friend. He has counseled me in difficult hours, rejoiced in triumphs, and exemplified what faithful friendship looks like: honest, humble, and true. I think of Paul's words when I remember him: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). Those words capture the gratitude of countless lives he has touched—students, parishioners, colleagues, and communities.
Bishop Brown's wife, Dr. Louise Baker-Brown; children, Charisa and Thomas, Jr.; and the people of the Sixth Episcopal District should all know that their husband, father, pastor, and shepherd has run a remarkable race. I thank them for being with him every step of the way. His life marked by scholarship, pastoral tenderness, courageous civic engagement, and sacrificial service leaves a legacy that will continue to bear fruit for generations.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District in giving thanks for Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.; in celebrating his faithful ministry; and in wishing him a restful and joy-filled retirement. For a life poured out in service, we echo the heavenly commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). May God bless him richly in the days ahead.