Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Heath Shuler (NC-11) was recognized by the National
Bible Association yesterday morning with the “2009 Capitol Hill Award.” The annual award,
presented in cooperation with the Chaplains of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives,
recognizes one Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and one Senator for demonstrating
an exemplary commitment to Bible reading.
“Being a Member of Congress is a job that requires one to make many decisions,” Shuler said after
receiving the award. “In this position, and in all aspects of my life, I consider Proverbs 3:6 to be
my “life verse,” the verse that guides me in everything I do. “In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy path.”
In Congress, Rep. Heath Shuler served as Co-chair of the Weekly House Prayer Breakfast and the
2009 National Prayer Breakfast. As Co-chair of the Weekly Prayer Breakfast, he identified and
encouraged Members of Congress to speak to a bipartisan group of Members about their personal
faith and how their beliefs intersect with politics. In the capacity of Co-Chair of the National
Prayer Breakfast, he gathered in prayer more than 3,400 guests, including elected officials from the
United States and 180 nations around the world.
Additionally, Shuler led efforts to correct policies imposed by the Architect of the Capitol which
would have excluded the word “God,” and any religious reference on the certificates that
accompany flags flown over the Capitol. He also worked to ensure that the Veterans
Administration end its ban on traditional flag-folding recitations, including the 11th fold which
glorifies, “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” and the 12th fold which venerates, “God the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
The National Bible Association created the “Capitol Hill Award” in 2005 to recognize and honor
national leaders who set an example for others by seeking first to govern themselves before
working to govern others. The Senator receiving the award is Senator George Voinovich of Ohio.
The National Bible Association, a non-profit educational organization founded in 1940, strives to
encourage Bible readership amongst Americans of all religious orientations, political distinctions,
and creeds.
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Download: National Bible Association Honors Rep. Shuler with Prestigious “Capitol Hill Award”