WASHINGTON — Barry Black, the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, has been admitted to a hospital due to a brain bleed but is anticipated to make a full recovery, according to his office.
At the age of 76, Black experienced a subdural hematoma earlier this week, which has led to his hospitalization. A subdural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates in the space between the skull and the surface of the brain, causing increased pressure on the brain itself. Rev. Lisa Schultz, who serves as Black’s chief of staff, reported that he is currently receiving care at a local hospital from the Capitol’s physician.
Barry Black has been a recognizable figure in the Senate since he assumed the role of Chaplain in 2003. He is known for leading daily prayer services that commence the proceedings, in addition to offering spiritual guidance to senators and staff through both group and individual prayer sessions. Before joining the Senate, Black held the position of chief of the Navy’s chaplains.
Renowned for his powerful voice and insightful prayers, Black has often addressed the nation’s political turmoil with poignant words. For instance, during the prolonged government shutdown in 2013, he voiced a prayer aimed at helping the nation escape the “hypocrisy of attempting to sound reasonable while being unreasonable.” In light of the challenges during former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment in 2019, his prayer implored senators to avoid “fatigue or cynicism” that could jeopardize long-standing friendships.
Furthermore, after the Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters on January 7, 2021, and Congress certified Joe Biden’s victory, Black concluded a late-night joint session by invoking a plea for unity. His heartfelt words sought to address the chaos, saying, “We deplore the desecration of the United States Capitol building, the shedding of innocent blood, the loss of life, and the quagmire of dysfunction that threaten our democracy.”
The entire Senate community is now hoping for a swift recovery for Chaplain Barry Black, whose presence and prayers have resonated deeply within the halls of Congress.
