The Rev. Carl Rawls, already well known in Selma as the founder and director of the CHASM Family Resource Center, was recently named as an Ambassador for Peace on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

During a banquet hosted by the American Clergy Leadership Conference and attended by several members of Congress, Rawls was one of at least 120 people from across the United States chosen to promote the principles of peace.

The ACLC also presented Rawls with its Excellence in Leadership award for his demonstration of &uot;living for the sake of others&uot; in his personal, professional and public life.

Receiving these honors was a great thrill to Rawls, who said he is just trying to do the work of God.

he has been involved with the ACLC since March and has been to several conferences, including a recent trip to Israel.

Rawls said he believes it is time for citizens of Selma to look past skin color and religious denominations to find happiness.

As an Ambassador for Peace, Rawls said he

is honored to be a part of a larger effort to end conflicts across the world.

As part of that effort, Rawls said he is creating a youth program at CHASM known as Youth for Peace.

Rawls said he is currently planning another trip with the ACLC to Korea. Despite the looming controversies taking place in that country, Rawls insisted his faith will keep him safe.

The ACLC is planning a conference in Selma on Aug. 29-30 at the Holiday Inn. Rawls said people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to attend.