Paul Ryan called on the House chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy, to resign after he delivered an opening prayer that included a plea about tax reform, House Democrats are claiming.
Democrats also contend Father Conroy, a Catholic priest, angered some GOP lawmakers because he allowed a Muslim Imam to deliver the opening prayer, although Muslim opening prayers have been offered several times over the years.
One GOP aide rejected the idea that a prayer led to Conroy’s firing, but Ryan’s office declined to specify a reason for the move. Ryan’s office also said Democrats were consulted before the decision was made.
The prayer in question, offered by Conroy at the opening of the Nov. 6 legislative day, included these lines:
“As legislation on taxes continues to be debated this week and next, may all Members be mindful that the institutions and structures of our great Nation guarantee the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle. May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans. May Your blessing, O God, be with them and with us all this day and every day to come, and may all we do be done for Your greater honor and glory.”
Conroy offered his resignation on April 15, telling Ryan in a letter he was doing so, “as you have requested,” and departing at a time determined by Ryan’s chief of staff.
Imam Abdullah Antepli, chief representative of Muslim Affairs at Duke University’s School of Arts & Sciences, delivered the opening prayer in the House on Oct. 4, 2107. A Muslim Imam delivered the opening prayer in 2010 and 2014 as well.
