Frances "Sissy" Farenthold entering The Rothko Chapel

Sissy Farenthold, who was a member of the Texas legislature and the first woman to be nominated and voted on for vice president of the United States, has devoted her life to working for human rights. Currently, she lobbies in Washington and Austin for humanitarian causes and gives her time and energy to many local organizations, including the Rothko Chapel, where she chairs the board of directors.

When asked what the chapel contributes to the community, Ms. Farenthold responds, "I think it goes back to the words of Dominique de Menil, who established the chapel. She said the chapel had two components. One was contemplation; the other was action. And that action is grounded in the quest for human rights both locally and internationally.

"The chapel offers extraordinary programs that often are on the cutting edge," she continues. "Last spring we collaborated with the United Nations Association to bring a film here called A Force More Powerful. We brought middle school and high school students to see this film about the history of the non-violent movements of the twentieth century, and I know many of them were exposed to things that they never had considered before.

"Being here as frequently as I am, especially during the renovation, I am struck by the number of people from all over the world who know about the chapel and come here for contemplation, solace and meditation. But there also is this other component, the action for human rights.

"I feel very keenly that the chapel must be a part of this community. We have violations of human rights here just as we see violations of human rights in other parts of the world. We have a great deal to do in both arenas."

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