SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, invited Dr. James E. Shannon, of Peoples Community Church in Glen Ellyn, to deliver the opening invocation before the governor’s State of the State address on Wednesday.
“I have known Pastor Shannon for a long time, and I’m so grateful that he was able to share his words of prayer with my colleagues as we embark on this new legislative session,” said Costa Howard. “During a time of so much division, it’s heartwarming to have someone like Pastor Shannon deliver a compassionate message of hope and goodwill to all of us. I am so proud that Pastor Shannon could join us on this important day.”
Dr. Shannon is renowned as a religious leader and civil rights activist. Baptized at the age of 12 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Shannon went on to serve as a public school teacher and in the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, the nation’s largest fair housing organization. In 2007, he helped to found the People’s Community Church, where he became full-time pastor in 2013.
The House begins each session day with a prayer, delivered by a religious leader who is invited by his or her state representative.
State Rep. Terra Costa Howard with Pastor James E. Shannon of Peoples Community Church in Glen Ellyn after his invocation at Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State address on Wednesday.
Rep. Costa-Howard
(D-Glen Ellyn)
(D) 48th District
Springfield Office:
244-W Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8037
District Office:
913 S. Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 812-9292