State Department gives 'rocking' swearing-in for new ambassador to Malta

The new US ambassador-designate to Malta, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley had an unusual installation ceremony at the State Department on Wednesday. The Washington Post said that the typical swearing-in of an ambassador is usually a somewhat dry affair. Not so with the ceremony for this ambassador.    The ornate Benjamin Franklin Room on the State Department's eighth floor was  “rocking.” The event featured  the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Men and Women of the Gospel choir performed traditional gospel tunes that had even a few of the most buttoned-up guests tapping their toes.  Abercrombie-Winstanley, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, is a member of the choir. The newspaper noted that her predecessor, Douglas Kmiec, (who is currently back in Malta to launch a book) drew controversy in Malta when an inspector general’s report faulted him for spending too much time on faith-based activities.