The Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN), today offered condolences on the passing earlier this morning of Maryland Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, who had represented that state’s 7th Congressional District and served as the chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee.

In a statement, his office said he died of “complications concerning longstanding health challenges.”

“Representative Cummings was a powerful and principled advocate for justice and political integrity. He was a well-respected member of his church and deeply committed to his faith. He will be dearly missed,” said PIIN Executive Director Jamaal Craig. “We offer condolences to Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and to all those who loved and respected this great man.”

“Congressman Cummings was a steadfast and relentless champion for democracy who continued to serve the American people until his final days,” said Craig. “He was a force to be reckoned with, whose impact will be felt for decades to come. His passing is a tremendous loss for our nation.”