Source: The Washington Post / Getty
House Chaplain Patrick Conroy was effectively fired last week by Speaker Paul Ryan. In his resignation announcement Conroy made clear that it wasn’t his choice to go, but that he was forced out by Ryan. Conroy wrote to Ryan, “As you have requested, I hereby offer my resignation as the 60th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives.” Conroy, has been the chaplain since 2011, and his resignation is effective May 24. While a reason for the ouster hasn’t been made clear, many believe it was due to Ryan’s disdain for Conroy’s prayers about the GOP’s tax bill.
The prayer, from November 2017, Conroy wishes for no “winners and losers” under the proposed legislation. The prayer:
“God of the universe, we give You thanks for giving us another day. Bless the Members of this assembly as they set upon the work of these hours, of these days. Help them to make wise decisions in a good manner and to carry their responsibilities steadily, with high hopes for a better future for our great Nation.
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. Amen.”
