Chaplain Barry Black

On June 27, 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) was elected the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate. He began working in the Senate on July 7, 2003. Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the U.S. Navy for over twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. 

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In addition to opening the Senate each day in prayer, Chaplain Black provides counseling and spiritual care for Senators, their families, and staff - a combined constituency of over seven thousand people.   He also meets with Senators about spiritual and moral issues, assist with research on theological and biblical questions, and facilitates discussion and reflection small groups among Senators and staff.  "I see my role as the Chaplain to be a confidential counselor, spiritual advisor, scripture teacher, intercessor, and friend to the Senators, their spouses, and the Senate staff as they seek to discover and live God's wonderful plan.

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Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and an alumnus of Oakwood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University, and United States International University. In addition to earning master of arts degrees in divinity, counseling, and management, he has received a doctorate degree in ministry and a doctor of philosophy degree in psychology.  Chaplain Black was the distinguished Keynote Speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2017 and 2023.

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