Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pastor Harvey Peters, father of Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52), provided the prayer to open the legislative day for the House of Representatives. Rev. Peters is a retired minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and had a distinguished career of nearly forty years. In the Civil Rights Era, he helped lead the movement to desegregate housing in the Detroit suburbs.
“My Dad, Harvey Peters, is a long-time advocate for civil rights and the poor, a community leader, and a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather,” Rep. Peters said. “His work instilled in me and my three sisters the values of courage and equality that I’ve tried to bring to my own service.
“Few Members of Congress get the chance to see a parent speak in the House chamber, and I am truly thankful that I was able to share this moment with him, and with my Mom, RuthAnn, who watched from the gallery.”
While currently retired and living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Rev. Peters remains on the clergy roster of the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA. During his service in the church, Rev. Peters worked in Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and California, and served on the national staff of the former Lutheran Church in America (LCA) as a specialist in urban ministries.
Video of Reverend Peters’ opening prayer and Congressman Peters’ introductory remarks can be seen at the following link (http://youtu.be/xFRlezM3W7E) or by clicking the image below:
Two photos are below. The first is of (L-R) Congressman Peters, his mother RuthAnn Peters, Rev. Harvey Peters, family friend Jo Hinkel, and Chaplain of the House of Representatives Rev. Patrick Conroy S.J. after their time on the House floor today. The second is a photo of (L-R) Scott’s Grandmother, Martin Luther King Sr., Rev. Harvey Peters, and Scott’s Grandfather during the Civil-Rights-era effort to desegregate housing.
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