After a little more than a year of service as House chaplain, the Rev. Paul Rogers has stepped down.
Before being unanimously elected to the position on Feb. 1, 2007, Rogers had retired from full-time ministry responsibilities at the end of 2006.
A heart attack last June and his desire to fully retire from all professional responsibilities pushed him to give up his role at the House, he said.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Mpls) presented Rogers with a House resolution Feb. 12 thanking him for his service.
During his 37-year pastoral career, Rogers served congregations in Minnesota, South Dakota and Europe.
Looking at his time at the House, Rogers said, Its been interesting and moving to see the depths of commitment of the legislators and the staff. I wish the whole state could experience this.
To fill the position, Kelliher will gather names of potential candidates, including suggestions from leaders in the religious community, and then meet with other House members to review the names.
Once the interview process for the next nominee is complete, the name will be presented to the full House for a vote.