• ...his (or theoretically, her) job is just to give an opening-of-the-session prayer....
Why does the House require a 'chaplain'? It goes against separation of Church and State in the first Amendment. The religion of the chaplain is immaterial and any such appointment should be declared unconstitutional.
"Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak; and that it is doing god's service when it is violating all his laws."
~ JOHN ADAMS
"Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise." ~ JAMES MADISON
Priests and conjurors are of the same trade." ~ THOMAS PAINE
1
Father Pat is 10 times the man Ryan is
I like the chaplain's quip about people getting elected "who don't know how to say hello in the hallway."
“Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and render unto God the things that belong to God”.
23
Jefferson called for a separation of church and state in the Establishment Clause and the first First Amendment of the Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
There should be no state sponsored prayer in government at all and "In God We Trust" should also be taken off our money as it wasn't on our currency until 1957. Eisenhower added that as well as "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance and "In God we Trust" to our national motto.
This Christian state religious dogma was not the founding fathers' intent. It should be removed from our government, currency and from the halls of Congress.
129
Ryan has been a failure as leader and has given us hope for the future, with his promise to resign and not seek re-election. The wonder boy, hasn't at all been wonderful.
57
Why does the House of Representatives need a chaplain? I think there is something about forbidding the establishment of religion in the relic we used to call the constitution.
53
Well, the current chaplain has clearly failed at his counseling: Do the right thing! Do unto others, etc.
The solution, I think, is to pick up the capitol, shake it, and brush away the dandruff.
Then plant wild flowers.
16
Congressional Republicans worship Trump, the Koch brothers, and guns but they demonize Father Conroy. They really have lost their way.
68
Absolutely hilarious and sad at the same time.
That religious nonsense should come down to this trivial and childish level is confirmation of the childish minds of our representatives and the terrible waste of time and money that occurs in Washington D.C.
As the world turns and falls apart and the decline of America continues, we must watch and tolerate this trivial, childish nonsense. Thank you Gail for this information.
35
Why does the house need its very own chaplain? The need for a shrink is much more apparent.
72
If that Republican wants someone married with children, then what about a married lesbian rabbi?
83
In a Congress and political Party that is so damn certain that Christian-directed prayer in school will stop all future abortions, mass killers, and slackers, isn’t it ironic that a little ask on the part of an actual Christian, yields a dismissal. Ryan as Pilate.
Frankly, there shouldn’t be a professionally appointed prayer in our government, only for it.
Separation is the doctrine best suited to good government.
39
As for helping to make the tax bill fair, God failed miserably.
35
1-“Washington can be a very mean place,” said Trump on Friday. “A nasty place.”
And Trump is the meanest, most morally impaired, selfish, moronic person in DC.
2- “benefits balanced and shared by all Americans.” This sounds sensible to me, and is a good foundation for a stable and cohesive society. The GOP, Trump, and especially Ryan are totally opposed to sharing; they want it all for themselves and their rich donors.
3-“Will no one rid me of this meddlesome president?” I’ve been saying that since Nov 8, 2016. I fear that Cher was right when she said “If we can’t figure out how to get rid of him, then we deserve him.”
4-“Padre, you just got to stay out of politics.” -Ryan. May we now please retire the fake myth that Ryan is a decent human being? As Bob Dylan’s song “Slow Train” says,”The enemy I see wears a cloak of decency.” Despite all the pretense of Ryan and other GOPers that they are devoted Christians, their politics has no connection to any true Christian values. Their God is money.
75
Thank God hypocrisy is not a mortal sin; Ryan, a large cohort of GOP, and a not insignificant Dem delegation would all be fat to the fire.
As all are tiresomely aware…
13
What do you know? Paul Ryan is for separation of Church and State? Now that he's fired the House Chaplin, let's see him get rid of the evangelicals! Good luck!
27
What is the constitutional basis for havining a Congressional Chaplain? And for opening prayers?
26
"Won't someone rid me of the meddlesome priest?"
~ Henry II.
A perhaps more relevant quote: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion . . " ~ First Amendment.
That Amendment does not merely forbid congress from favoring a particular religion, but mandates that it not 'do religion,' Period.
If congressional members or staffers need individual spiritual or mental health counseling or consoling, Washington has a phonebook full of rabbis, ministers, priests, shamans, witches, bartenders, etc -- plus cellphone apps -- ready to provide whatever intervention a member might prefer. But the post of chaplain, however, is nothing less than unconstitutional taxpayer-funded kabuki theatre which has had zero impact on improving the performance of congress.
Yet if Congress wants to begin each session with some sort motivational intonement, why not chose (by lottery) a new speaker each day from a list of volunteers willing to deliver a minute or so of motivation? The list would be open to all comers. In addition to clerics from religions weird and weirder, the Motivator-of-the-Day might be a housepainter, doctor, dog-walker, prison inmate, professor, mechanic, tribal chieftain, insane person, witch, Nazi, homeless person, etc., or that perennial favorite, the Small Businessman. At the very least, this approach would provide the nation with a continuous supply of hilarious YouTube videos.
31
As to God in the public ‘square’: Meyer Baba (1894-1969) was fond of saying that God is
“that ancient one whose past is worshipped and remembered…
whose present is ignored and forgotten and
whose future is anticipated with great fervor and longing.”
With a ‘shout out’ to Mike Pence & Paul Ryan.
22
It looks as if Congress is getting as confusing as the White House. Both the present speaker, Paul Ryan and the minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, are Roman Catholics ; yet the Chaplain, a Jesuit priest, was fired. Perhaps a Jesuit is not considered the right sort of catholic in some circles--shades of Father Dan Berrigan. Well it is a dark secret and we wont know why the chaplain was fired until the day after tomorrow when the real story will be leaked. Rumor has it he was fired over a prayer about the whopping tax bill. Fair enough : things are messy enough in Congress without bringing them to the attention of the Deity
11
The Jesuits are contemplatives in action serving the needs of humankind. Ryan's actions are thoughtless and inhumane.
45
I think the bigger question is why does Congress have a government paid chaplain? Such a position in an increasingly diverse society is unnecessary. Symbolic entreaties to a deity or deities is offensive to the deity in question and deep meaningful entreaties are offensive are offensive to anyone not a member of the in group.
Let our lawmakers get counseling from counselors and let them ask for spiritual advice on their own.
22
Can we dispense with the chaplain role and get these folks some sort of therapist instead?
30
Think about it for a minute. Ryan is now a lame duck and no longer needs to worry about how he looks for the next election. One of the first things he does is fire the chaplain. What else might he have up his sleeve? Stay tuned.
57
I remember reading about Monsignor Fulton Sheen, a popular Catholic televangelist from the 1950's, who was invited to give the invocation at some secular gathering of politicians or business people. When he stepped up to the microphone, he said (as I remember it): "Each person is responsible for three things: to blow his own nose, make his own love and say his own prayer." Then he sat down to standing applause. Ya gotta like it!
23
What would Jesus do?
Well, according to the book that right wing so called Christians quote like it was Scripture, we know what Jesus did:
He healed the sick.
He fed the hungry.
He visited the prisoner.
He clothed the naked.
He tended the poor.
He threw the bankers and merchants out of the temple.
He forgave those who tortured and murdered him.
He did all that with love and compassion, not with self-righteous judgement.
He did exactly the opposite of what these so called Christians in the republican party are doing.
Perhaps this is just an offshoot of the sort of feud t rump is having with Pope Francis and republicans seeing a Jesuit roaming their domain get reminded them of their hypocrisy.
52
Republicans left Jesus behind decades ago. They believe that if you are rich it means God loves you (aka Prosperity Gospel). They also believe that if you are poor it means God does not love you.
34
The Republican party consists of very small people.
26
A note to Mark Walker—there are women who are ministers, even married with children...why exclude them???
15
Paul Ryan needs to go to confession.
21
It's a simple question, what kind of Catholic is Paul Ryan?
18
Paul Ryan claims to be a Christian and a Catholic: what a sick joke. This is a man who never saw a Beatitude he didn't want to repeal.
41
“Paul Ryan’s giving himself that luxury,” said Connolly. “Why wouldn’t you give it to the chaplain?”
Easy! It's spelled out in the name they give themselves: GOP - Ryan being the leader of the Greedy Obnoxious People this is all he can do.
Fairness, empathy for the non-rich or nice, normal people just isn't in their golden-spooned DNA.
13
Paul Ryan doesn't like being reminded what it means to be a Christian. He is too mean spirited.
24
Inspired by the great Larry Eisenberg, here's my feeble attempt at a limerick:
For the poor Paul Ryan won't pray
That they live to see a new day
He worships Ayn Rand
Licks the feet of the grand
With the wealthy he rolls in the hay
33
Who knew Congress prayed? The only god they worship is the Almighty Dollar.
17
My guess is that Father Conroy was fired because he didn’t go along with the idea that Donald Trump’s presidency is the fulfillment of Bible Prophecy.
18
There is NO place for a chaplain in any branch of the federal government except the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Period.
7
Ryan isn't just a disgrace. He's a tribal Catholic rather than a follower of the message of Jesus. Had his Irish forebears been born a few miles in another direction, he'd be a McConnell-style Calvinist--which Ryan is now in all but name. Remember Max Weber and the role of Northern European Protestants in promoting capitalism? Such is the nub of the gospel of the oligarchs as preached by the Koch brothers. Atheist Ayn Rand preached something similar except sanitized of stuff about God. Remember that Ryan expressed his admiration for her and her gospel? The gospel of prosperity goes hand in hand with blaming the poor for their condition, for their laziness and sloth.
13
In how many ways did Paul Ryan violate the Constitutional rights of Father Conroy? The irony of the Speaker firing a priest over (ostensibly free) speech for a religious petition to one's deity is appalling. It is good that Paul Ryan is leaving Congress. He is not fit to serve if he cannot respect our fundamental principles of government.
12
One just can't help wonder how persons so tone deaf and ham handed get elected in the first place. This prayer, like all payers in the House, would have been quickly forgotten, but now it is perhaps the most widely known prayer ever offered there.
12
I agree with Paul Ryan when he says that religion has no place in politics. Jesus said "My Kingdom is no part of this world." He refused to be involved in the political scene during his life in earth. His true Christian followers would do the same, no matter what country they happened to live in.
3
Should the Jesuit Order so choose, they could fix this rather quickly, and make a public statement that would stick. Simply have an attorney file an age bias suit against Ryan personally, or against the United States federal government, if need be. Let Ryan squirm and whine as he departs, muttering in disgrace.
11
Fr. Conroy should read the Sermon on the Mount to Congress before he leaves. What might the Republicans make of "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven"? They would have no idea what Jesus was talking about. Like Mulvaney, they might say that if he didn't give them a campaign contribution, they would not listen to him. What a pathetic mockery of everything good and holy this GOP Congress has become as they do the bidding of their billionaire and corporate overlords.
20
Perhaps Ryan was told to leave DC, and perhaps in this position he can serve out his time being the henchman. That's how our government works now.
4
Gail Collins, you are the best. Spot on and hilarious at the same time.
(And if you happen to hear a Republican member of Congress is bragging about tax cuts, feel free to yell, “If they’re so good, why did you fire that priest?”)
An image that I will pull up everytime I need a good chuckle.
17
Why is there a Chaplain at all? This is Government. There should be NO religion at all!
9
Ryan is a lost soul. Which is why he’s right at home in the formerly Grand Old Party.
13
Well really it must have been hard to hear him request from God that the members behave like Christians. No winners or losers? Are you kidding? The policy of the GOP is to designate winners and losers. That's all they do.
When do we get to start laughing hysterically when GOP say they are doing things for their constituents? When does the press stop feeding us their disgusting spin as if any of it was actually true? I just long for the day when they will just be truthful about their goals and about what their policy is actually geared to do which is to privatize government and transfer wealth? I believe Americans elected Trump because they felt they were getting an unvarnished truth for once. Of course what they got was a man who can't speak without lying.
Joe Biden where are you?
12
Considering all the politicians quitting over sexual misconduct, maybe the mere presence of a male who purportedly manages to stay celibate is just too much for them.
6
Congressman Walker is a Baptist minister with a wife and three adult children. Perhaps the job qualifications he set forth were not just as a religious bar to Catholics, but were also a way to give himself a leg up into his next career.
10
"Will no one ride me of this turbulent priest?"
Ah, history. But how will it treat Ryan? He should be afraid. This is just one decision, but it is not a good one, and bodes ill..
7
So Paul Ryan, the man who lied about completing a marathon in 3 hours, intends to "run through the tape".
Pro-tip: It's a bad idea to invoke images of athletic endeavors when your greatest athletic accomplishments are... imaginary.
And more to the point, this supposed Catholic is firing a Catholic chaplain because... he isn't married and doesn't have kids, and therefore is incapable of meeting Evangelicals' "pastoral needs".
Leaving entirely aside the questions of which pastoral needs require the presence of children (ewww!)... Jesus Himself wouldn't have qualified as House Champlain, since so far as we know He was unmarried and childless.
63
If only Ryan were telling the truth. It would mean Republicans would stop attacking Planned Parenthood, but he isn't and they aren't.
12
Paying for a priest or minister of any type, is a violation of church and state, and should not be funded by taxpayers. Unless they're going to have a priest who can administer the rights of Festivus, perhaps Congress should get out of the religion business. Of course for Ryan and his ilk, the story of Jesus telling the rich young man to sell everything and give it to the poor, is merely an advisory concept. Ryan wants priests out of government who would remind him of his obligation to the poor, but the GOP certainly wants priests and ministers in government, especially when it comes to attacking women's reproductive rights and who we can love and marry.
11
Father Conroy said that "Capitol Hill is an inherently political place...I don’t know if there is a religious divide; there certainly is a political one.”
No new news here. I'm betting on his replacement to be chosen from the millions of influential 'apolitical' hypocritical Evangelical leaders who have already so successfully crossed the intersection between the state and religion.
16
Corporations, lobbyists, chaplains and all the other non tax payers can just waltz into congress. In the meantime tax paying customers have to make an appointment and hope they aren't flagged as a "security risk" for complaining online about congress.
Excuse me if I am not shedding a tear over a religious lobbyist, excuse me chaplain, losing his cushy gig. Time for him to go and time these religions pay taxes. This is the only time Ryan did something right even if it was for the wrong reason.
The constitution guarantees religions the right to worship, not the right to be exempt from taxes, lead congress in prayer or obstruct traffic by double parking during their religious events.
Talk about a privileged class.
2
Poor Mark Walker: he didn't just rule out Catholic priests by suggesting the next chaplain "be a family man, with a wife and 'adult children.'" He took sides in one of the deepest and longest running disputes among Catholics. Lots of Catholics wonder out loud if celibate priests really are the best pastors of married couples and families; but no matter which way a Catholic looks at it, to see a non catholic weighing in is as welcome as his opinion on who should be the next pope.
5
Lighten up. He’s not taking sides in a Catholic doctrinal dispute—he’s just denouncing Catholic doctrine as heretical. Feel better?
3
Clearly Ryan dumped the Catholic to make room for the Protestant.
Since Ryan is on the way out, the only question to ask is "what does did he demand for this action?"
A house by the lake?
A great job after retirement from Congress?
I can't quite guess yet, but I bet it will be revealed soon enough.
4
Is the irony that firing Father Conroy for praying that the Republican tax bill does what they claim it does, benefit all Americans, lost on Ryan?
13
I'm guessing Ryan concluded the role of a chaplain in the House was superfluous. Next up, that antiquated motto on our money. 'In Chase We Trust' has a nice ring to it.
5
Congress should not have a chaplain, and I'd be perfectly happy if the post was eliminated.
Keep church and state seperate, forever.
10
Being an atheist, I see no need for a chaplain--particularly one whose salary is paid for by taxpayers. But I am a fan of teachings by Jesus and lament that those who proclaim loudest that they are Christians are most obviously not followers of Jesus.
Paul Ryan, who worships the lunatic Ayn Rand, obviously abhors the teachings of Jesus and was understandably disturbed that the House chaplain would ask Congress to be influenced by the benevolent teachings of Jesus.
14
Trump is the side show. The real centre of perdition (in both senses of the word) resides in the halls of Congress. It always has.
6
Paul the wonder boy from Wisconsin is getting ready to run for President and he doesn't want any Catholic priest reminding everyone what a mess he created with the tax cuts. He also doesn't want Mr. Conroy to comment on his campaign platform which will be to destroy Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and Social Security.
16
What a great place to recognize the idea of separation of church and state. Congress is a big enough mess without complicating things even further with religion.
4
Apparently Ryan can't manage to bring himself to control Nunes, or get the freedom caucus to do anything productive, or pass a budget without crawling up to Pelosi and begging for help (which comes highly encumbered with the very useful and kind things that Ryan loathes)--but, by God, he can can the man of God for committing truth.
Well played Paul-boy.
7
Most should not be terribly surprised by the false Christianity of the likes of Paul Ryan. The shock is that so many supposed Christians are still buying what he is selling.
10
This is progress. The next step is not to refill the position.
5
What does it say when even the Republican appointed chaplain tells Republicans to stop giving more tax cuts to the the rich.
310
Many Republicans (and Democrats) use religion instead of the thought process when it comes to deciding policy. They take votes based on their idea of what God wants, which presumably they heard from a religious authority, or a voice inside their head. It's the easy way out - no ethical dilemmas, no complicated give and take. You do what you think the Invisible Man wants.
I can see someone like Ryan being irritated by a religious figure attending Congressional functions who seems to be contradicting what he understands as "God's will". Because the beauty of religion, of course, is that you are the one who holds the ultimate universal truth. And anyone that disagrees with you is wrong.
119
Ryan saying, “Padre, you just got to stay out of politics” to Conroy is rich. Isn't Ryan one of the leading voices advocating for allowing churches to be active in politics? If it's OK for churches, and their pastors and priests to be in politics, why not in the House of Representatives?
288
Ryan is a Catholic in name only (Wisc. has a significant Catholic population) and a devotee of Ayn Rand, an aethiest. Let's not forget that the chaplin is a Jesuit. Jesuits are widely known as the educators and thinkers of the Catholic Church. Ryan serves the agenda of a rabidy anti-intellectual administration which places little value on education (Betsy DeVos), and a president with a limited vocabulary and attention span. This is hardly an atmosphere likely to be tolerant of rational thought or perceived dissent.
284
Curious that Paul Ryan is now such a defender of the church/state separation doctrine, but had no problem backing health insurance "loopholes" for the likes of HobbyLobby, et. al. But there I go again expecting consistency and integrity from our legislators. WHEN will I learn?
24
It is ironic that Father Conroy was fired for apparently promoting fairness in the Trump Tax Bill. For it is the economic repression of working families over the last half-century that has destroyed our political center and led us to elect a demagogue as president.
The book “Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson explores the economic/political history of virtually every country. It concludes that the primary factor that determines the fate of nations is working familys’ share of their economy — the smaller that share, the more unstable and weak their economy and government.
The Judeo-Christian teachings are more than a religion, they are a recipe for a sustainable society. Father Conroy’s prayer on the brink of passage of the Trump Tax Law will go down in history as a seminal act of patriotism.
30
Thoughtful comment. Thank you!
7
Trump has tweeted an order to his aides that the words of a New York Landmark be changed to Trump Dour.
Oh no, that's wrong, the new words are "DON'T give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore!!!"
12
And the motto on the monument ends with the words, "Just give me the Scandinavians"
6
Speaker Ryan orders Fr. Conroy, S.J. out of politics....
Maybe the Speaker should follow his own advice here.
19
"O' What may man within him hide, though angel on the outward side!" - W. Shakespeare
As a Catholic myself, I've been watching Ryan, no friend to the commonfolk, play the role of a practicing Catholic for years. He is a hypocrite of the highest order.
You simply can't square Ayn Rand, Ryan's stated guru, and her "get what you can while you can" philosophy, with Catholic teaching.
So, along comes a Jesuit chaplain like Fr. Conroy, the founder of whose order, St. Ignatius, advises us all to be "a man [or woman] for others" and voila!
"Get that guy outta here" hisses the snake from the bushes.
40
All could pray for enlightenment on this issue.
Let me know how that works out.
3
Remember that Catholics and Jews were targets of the KKK who espoused evangelical beliefs. There is also the the belief among the prosperity people that if you are poor or one of the underclass that it is your fault and that God does not love you or you would be prosperous.this is some thing I hear from one of my neighbors.
16
Rev. Conroy is a Jesuit priest who has been the House Chaplain
for seven years. Suddenly he is fired by House Speaker, Paul Ryan because he happened to have quoted Jesus innocuously.
Maybe Ryan and Republicans' guilt-laden conscience was so heavy that their immoral boat got completely tilted to be drowned. So they did what they did -fire the messenger!
Now who will be the next chaplain? An evangelic priest who is anti-Christ? God please save us, your true believers.
14
Separation of church and state begins with other religions being included, I tried searching for "white house imam" and "white house rabbi" to no avail.
13
"Separation" means the opposite of "inclusion". The first amendment is quite clear: they are all excluded.
6
"One possibility is that Republicans who actually care about the identity of the House chaplain think this speaker needs to make the appointment because they’re going to lose big in November and the next one will be a Democrat."
Bingo! I think that's exactly what's going on.
The Republicans have to politicize everything - even the House Chaplain. It's time to just eliminate the position entirely. Even if you aren't concerned with separation of church and state and even if you are devoutly religious it should seem clear that the position is all show and God has nothing to do with it.
14
Who knew that the Fox-reported ‘War on Christianity’ was an inside job?
32
I did.
6
I heard a lobbyist donated thirty pieces of silver into the GOP war-chest to grease a few palms and fire the Chaplain...
14
Some leaders bring out the best in people, others bring out the worst. Trump, of course, falls into the latter category--some kind of beelzebub doing the devil's bidding (or perhaps Putin's)--very effectively, I might add.
So now these spineless and soulless Republican politicians jockey to outdo each other with their fake religiosity, blatant lies, and pure meanness to impress Boss Don and the GOP's miserable, misanthropic base.
I have little doubt Father Conroy is a good man, who is carrying out the good will of Pope Francis. He has evidently irritated Paul Ryan and certain Republicans with his talk of sharing, caring, personal responsibility, and social justice.
I hope Father Conroy wears this mean-spirited, ugly firing as a badge of honor. He is in very good company with many of the fine men Trump has fired or aspires to fire.
The arrogance of GOP power is in full display. So to eschew human decency and trade on humiliation and fear, no reasons are given for these firings. They only seem to be intended to stifle any and all diversity of views, except that of the far right, and to squash the revolutionary ideas of democracy, justice for all, and caring for the planet and each other.
I continue to believe this is not who we are as a people or a country. But we must prove it by voting the GOP bums out in 2018 and 2020.
21
Spot on, but keep in mind that there are some good Republicans and that we need them. Hopefully some new decent Republicans can appear on the horizon. I am independent, and am horrified by this President and the unabashedly puerile mindset of this administration, but we need more parties, not less, represented for good national political health. Flipping to solid Democrat would present it's own set of issues, although not immorality, bigotry or stupidity.
6
It's easy to understand why Ryan wouldn't want a Jesuit trained in logic and rhetoric around.
14
FIrst we have already establised by a preponderance of the evidences that Paul Ryan is a coward - hypocrite is too obvious. He worships at the alter of Ayn Rand while feeding at the public trough - the antithesis of Randism. Ryan wouldn't last 10 minutes in such a world since his one unique skill is preening (not legislating) before the camera lens of self righteousness. It is no surprise that one of his final acts would be the removal of the House Chaplain, who had the decency to remind House members, why they were there in the first place.
That being said, it's long overdue to retire this position. We have far too long confused the roles of Caesar and the Almighty in our politics. In so doing we have allowed the two to be so comingled that carnival barkers and snake oil salespeople are able to intrude on the highest level of state and local governments providing them the fast lane to corruption and exploitation. Let's try the merit system for a while. Let's see what happens when we truly make an effort to elect the best and brightest whose ideas are shaped by facts, history, science and comptence grounded in experience. Let's try putting our faith in that for a moment. My hunch is that Paul Ryan and his minions never get to play in that game.
9
It's been painfully obvious for years that Republican conservatives in Congress put money and power way above their so-called Christian values. There is no bottom the the greed, avarice, corruption and fight for power over the well being of the constituents and the lesser among us. I would say "shame on you" to Paul Ryan, but it's been obvious for a long time that he has no shame or moral compass. I'm sure when he leaves office at the end of his current term, he will have a super-lucrative position waiting for him as payback for the corporate slanted bills and tax-cuts he helped to pass. We have seen the swamp, and it is he.
15
It seems to me the primary lesson the Republican congress has learned at Donald Trump's knee is that you can do any nasty thing you want nowadays and get away with it. Oh, there will be genuine outrage, and protestations from those people who have empathy for others (something in short supply on the Republican side, unless the others happen to be in the 1%), but it won't matter. Paul Ryan (a corrupt doe-eyed weasel if ever there was one) will emerge intact, ready to enjoy his family and however many corporate board seats are now his due for selling out the nation.
Given the specific issue of his ejection of this meddlesome priest, it perhaps won't be amiss for me to welcome the day this "nest of vipers" is removed from Congress.
11
Don’t advocate for moral responsibility in Washington....it gets you fired.
11
Ryan wants the next chaplain to be like Ayn Rand.
13
Oh Lord, Ryan and his GOP brethren will eliminate or sell out any pious soul for less than 30 pieces of silver. Judas showed more humanity than these corrupt, shallow hypocrites — firing a chaplain because he dared espouse Christian compassion and fairness! — no act is too outrageous for this insecure bunch of cowards when their authority is challenged. Taking food from the mouths of children and the elderly or giving a House priest the boot is 'all in a day's work' for them.
9
This is all Ryan. If he ever decides to run for President, and 2020 is a real possibility, this is just another instance to cite of his actual character poking through the altar boy costume.
12
Despite Speaker Paul Ryan’s denial that the forced resignation of the U.S. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy was because he was “too partisan”, many believe it was his prayer about GOP‘s tax cuts that was the coup de grâce.
After the GOP bill passed, Ryan claimed: "This is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress has passed in decades to help the American worker and to help grow the American economy." The Brookings Institute predicts: "The federal debt would rise by at least 3 trillion over the first decade.”
Vice-Presidential Candidate Ryan, a fifth-generation Irish-American said: “the network of programs for the American poor made people not want to work” echoing Charles Trevelyan mantra during the Irish Famine: “Dependence on charity is not to be made an agreeable mode of life.”
Although, only God and Chaplain Conroy know if his prayer was a reprimand of Trump and the Republican Party, but the historical context of this unprecedented action to fire the Catholic Chaplain suggests that the Speaker’s allegiance now is with the “Eighty percent of white evangelicals [who] would vote against Jesus Christ himself if he ran as a Democrat.” (NYT March 31, 2018). The gospel of Jesus Christ to provide for the needy collides with Speaker Ryan and the Republican Party. Chaplain Conroy and the majority of the American people just lost in the People's House.
15
Not a good move, Paul Ryan. Asking a Jesuit priest to resign? Why didn't you fire him? No courage for your convictions or did your Evangelican compatriots put the squeeze on you? People shouldn't be surprised at your actions. I seem to recall the time when the good nuns called you out for not being sufficiently compassionate for those Americans who couldn't afford "health care." I for one will be watching your move to your next job interview. Good riddance to you who couldn't stand up for the people!
13
just the next step in the evangelical takeover.
10
"Ryan, who’s been vague about his motives, apparently did complain about the tax prayer. (Conroy says he told him, “Padre, you just got to stay out of politics.”)"
Uh...no PX-90, we're all IN politics now. We hire you guys, so we're your employers. Once Repubs sold a share of their votes to Religious groups (among so many others) ya'll open'd the barn doors to all of us to get inside.
In this day of the Blog-overse, and Pundits for Hire everywhere - we're all IN the game (if we so desire).
A priest, preacher, rabbi, shaman, etc are compelled by their professional charters to give advice to their charges. Asked for or not...they are there to offer the inconvenient pokes and pinches to hopefully get you/others thinking more broadly.
PX-90 Ryan is the cream of the lousy crop of Repubs who deem themselves above reproach. (Dems ain't excluded)
And while politicians have always been prone to this weakness, this Congress, these Repubs, esp. the leadership in the House and Senate, have anointed themselves Inerrant...on par with the Pope.!
However, I do have a simple solution for this or any Priest venturing into politics problem. Don'tmix Religion and Politics in any way. Period. Keep the priests and preachers and who ever else they let in - OUT!
Why should they need to be led in prayer in the first place? They all claim that their faith is number one in their lives...so it should not need prompting. But they need a daily reminder to answer the question, WWJD?
1
Come November, let us fire a few republicans. Vote them out of local, state and national offices. It is what Jesus would go.
14
I agree that why is there a religious figure there at all. Rather than just firing, how about eliminating this person and replacing it with a circus clown similar to back in king Henry’s day, a court jester. That way he would fit right in and use all sorts of humors to ensure the people’s business is being conducted. Fleecing requires a certain finesse, and who better than the official congressional clown.
8
To those who complain about Rev. Conroy's salary being paid by us tax payers, I say what the Irish say, which is "save your breath to cool your porridge. Better to talk about Scott Pruitt's $40,000 phone booth or Ben Carson's $30,000 office furniture.
8
Why would the Repubs need a chaplain? They worship at the feet of Trump now.
7
Republicans pact with the Devil, to turn America into a banana republic, has many facets. Supporting Trump was only one.
8
You know you’ve “made it” in the Trump Administration when the President bad mouths you or Trash Tweets and gives you a new name. To that we can add whatever firing the Republicans can do — in this case the Chaplain, actually for being too Christian and asking them to remember the poor and the sick in his homily prayer before their voting on the Tax Bill. Is Satan laughing? You bet He is.
6
Well, the priest prayed about fairness. If anyone has been paying any attention, fairness and compassion are incompatible with present Republican and Christian values.
7
Hi Gail,
You do not need my help to write your often hilarious and spot-on columns. However, for future reference the world needs to know that Paul Ryan can cause a lot of harm but he cannot tangle with God or God's messenger (the Chaplain) with no consequences. So, go home with your tail between your legs, Paul. The Jesuits were around long before you and will survive Paul Ryan's little temper tantrum.
Also, for future columns I think Gail should explore the effects of lead poisoning regarding the President: I know he says everything in his Trump Tower abode is solid gold but it's probably gold paint over lead. Ergo, lead poisoning, which is why he is so certifiable.
You're welcome.
7
The latest update to Martin Niemoller : "...then they came for the Catholics, but I was not a Catholic..."
The graven silence of the Religious Liberty evangelicals in the House is not surprising given that Liberty is only for them. Keep the Sunday attendees in line behind the Republican banner by any means and make sure to have the counting machines well oiled plugged in.
10
The crew in the House need more than a chaplain....they need an exorcist.
18
Perhaps the next Speaker of the House should choose the next Chaplain.
143
Pilgrim makes sense, and not just because of what the Senate did concerning the Supreme Court. The current Congress has a majority who despite lip service would NEVER listen to either God or a chaplain. Chaplain Conway had hoped to persuade a few to greet others in the hall - but most Representatives despise their fellow man, and would certainly not want to greet members of the other party. So, frankly, at this time a chaplain does little good in the House. If enough House members of that persuasion are replaced, there is a chance that some of their replacements might be open to messages from God or a chaplain.
21
Perhaps the ex-Chaplain should pick the next Speaker of the House. In fact, I think that would have been a good idea at the time Paul Ryan was chosen as Speaker of the House; there were much better choices available from the Democratic Party.
20
I would rather have the next chaplain choose the next Speaker.
39
As a secular liberal Jew, I don't believe there should be a chaplain in Congress. That said, I'm often impressed with the more progressive parts of Jesuit thoughts and action, and so glad that Patrick Conroy was there to tell the Republicans that the tax bill was immoral. They want to be blessed and prayed for, but never guided or admonished. His words got under their skin because he verified and reminded them what they knew already: they're working hard to increase income inequality; a very un-Jesus agenda. Ryan may be Roman Catholic, but he more consistently greed worships at the very unholy alter of Ayn Rand.
If we are lucky enough to have Nancy Pelosi as the next Speaker of the House, and if we must have a chaplain, Ms.Pelosi can rehire Patrick Conroy, or if she wants to be creative.....how about a progressive lesbian rabbi?
387
Lordy, I hope there's tapes.
164
A Jesuit, the most liberal and understanding of the Roman Catholic orders. We know the pope is a Jesuit and the evangelicals don't like the Pope and all his inclusive talk about helping the downtrodden (think refugees). The evangelicals know the Pope makes them all look like the false hypocritical Christians that they are.
12
I can attest from personal experience that a certain type of conservative Protestant is still vehemently anti-Catholic. It is kept alive and well at institutions like Bob Jones University and, as we see from the comments of Rep. Mark Walker, in the coded language of the conservative GOP. This episode smacks of early modern fights over "justification by faith alone" and the role of "good works" (i.e. caring for the sick and poor). Our Founders rejected religious sectarianism and established a Republic that would not suffer from established religion. Congress should not replace Father Conroy.
5
Usually, the Jesuits are smarter than this. Why they thought they would participate and support an enterprise so ethically challenged is beyond me. Washington has proven to be ethically bankrupt. The clergy in this country used to stand up and preach against the injustices they saw in the world but no more. No one wants to ruffle any feathers or see their Sunday attendance fall and if you do, well, be prepared to pay a price on Conroy can now attest to.
4
Cutting taxes for the rich, is Saul Ryan’s religion.
Not giving “free stuff” to poor people is Saul Ryan’s Credo.
Ayn Rand is Saul Ryan’s “god”.
No wonder Saul persecuted a man who reminded us of what Jesus taught.
9
The Deer slayer strikes again. This time a man of God. What next? How dare the House Chaplain suggest that Ryan participated in an unfair tax bill which will benefit the rich. Will the hubris never end?
8
In the surviving record of Jesus' teachings, the bible, Jesus frequently spoke against unjust taxation of the poor. Many scholars have argued that it was Jesus' comments on justice for the poor, who were losing their land and source of survival, that led to his crucifixion. It appears that Father Patrick Conroy is incurring a similar impulse to silence and punish and that Paul Ryan is stepping into the part of the Imperial Roman Governor.
9
This should serve as a warning to any who would dare to remind so-called Christian Republicans of their Christian humanitarian obligations that they risk their jobs if not yet their lives or their freedom. Christian against Christian? Why was this country founded if not to prevent this? Shame!
9
Ryan asked for the chaplain's resignation. A lovely way to say he fired him. But then he lies about why he fired him. Now St. Paul Ryan can go to a different priest to hear his confession. If he lies in that confession, does it count? It's complicated being a good Catholic like the speaker. As Trump would say, "nobody knew how complicated!"
5
Anyone who has kept up with current events for the past
30 years knows how unchristian the Republican Party has
been on so many issues which affect our citizenry.
6
I totally join those asking why is there even a chaplain for the House? Who knew? I certainly didn't....nor did many friends. But it raises many more questions....not just "doesn't it violate the separation of church and state?"
One begins to wonder why only the House?
What about the Senate? The Executive branch?
Why a priest? Where' s the House rabbi ? Imam? Pastor?
Don't the religious members of the House individually worship according to their faith?
This seems like a biased and wrong use of every taxpayer dollar that supports it.
5
As the grandniece of a monsignor who knew Dorothy Day, as well as the niece of a Jesuit whose last assignment was as a prison chaplain (my uncle, ironically enough, passed away on an Easter Sunday), I try not to take such things personally. My sixteen years of Catholic education, including four at a Jesuit university and four at an all-girls high school run by an order of forward-thinking nuns (I actually took a course in computer programming while there in the early seventies and had to do community service before I could graduate), nurtured not only my brain but my soul. Thank goodness for that.
Yes, it's a dirty, nasty swamp in Washington. But Reverend Conroy is clearly not one of the swamp things that needs to go.
8
Since Patrick Conroy is a Jesuit, he is probably very well educated....and education is an abomination to Republicans. Plus Conroy seems to have a soft spot for the poor and the weak...also something Republicans seem to loathe. Conroy really should take his firing from Ryan as a badge of honor.
9
Notwithstanding the absurdity (or maybe even the constitutionality) of having a Chaplain, and prayers at the start of each congressional session, in a branch of government established under the principle of separation of church and state, I was thrilled to learn that there is also a Congressional Prayer Caucus, and that it has a Vice-Chairman, and presumably also a Chairman. Pray tell (pun intended), what do they do?
Disband them I say. If our children praying in school is unconstitutional, these bozos can also pray on their own time.
6
The Pope has made statements regarding inequality, climate change, and the importance of charity that indicate the Republican Party is no longer guided by Christian beliefs.
I'd be upset like Ryan if I had to come to terms with that; instead he's firing the messenger, while his minions are busy scapegoating immigrants, taking healthcare from the poor, and cutting taxes for the rich.
6
Wait, there's a "Congressional Prayer Caucus"? Surely such a thing would be privately funded?
3
I'm trying to figure out if Shakespeare could have invented Trump. He specialized in flawed, complex characters. The only problem is, his characters usually also possessed some virtue, and I can't think of one in this case. Oh, wait--he DIDN'T drive to Canada with his dog strapped to the roof of his car (but only because he doesn't have a dog). Will that work?
3
Obviously, advocating Christian values from the desk in the House of Representatives is a firing offense.
I agree that having a Chaplain on the payroll in Congress is not a good Idea. Probably something Madison wouldn't have liked to see. But if we must have one and Christian values aren't acceptable, maybe the House should hire a Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu.
2
"The two career catastrophes would be similar only if Conroy had been appointed despite a lack of experience in praying." This is a really uninformed (dumb) statement by Collins who should know better. It takes about 12 years to become a Jesuit. Only some of the time, the most valuable part, is spent praying.
Clever is not the same as informed.
Put down the umbrage and pick up a newspaper. It was a cheeky reference to Ronny Jackson.
7
The next House Chaplain should be like Charlie. Silent, but good for a laugh, considering where they’re working.
My guess is that Ryan wants McCarthy as Speaker, knows that only 25 Republicans would be needed to block his confirmation and The Freedom Caucus, led by Meadows, has 40 members. So Ryan is doing some backroom dealing to buy the needed votes. the right-wing evangelicals get one of their own to comfort them in their "affliction".(I will resist going on a riff about "afflictions").
Fr Conroy has been an irritant, What?!!! He reminded members that a fair distribution of benefits under the tax bill is a good idea?!!! Got to go! (Catholics, specifically Jesuits, like Pope Francis,;tend to think (this in itself is a problem) that concern for "the least of these [our] brothers" is central to a Christian life. Their "prosperity gospel" is inclusive. )
Therefore, the chaplains precipitous ouster may be that the House GOP's plans to slash Social Security, Medicare, etc and privatize schools, prisons, VA, etc may have offered this "meddlesome priest" too many prayer opportunities, not suited to their 'mission'.
7
I am not shocked that there are members of congress who pay lip service to Christianity, indulging in all the rituals, while serving only Mammon. So it has always been and ever shall be. What shocks me to the point of nausea is that we continue to fall for it.
4
While I question the Constitutionality of having congressional chaplains, blurring the line between church and state, this morning's front page NYT article on the uproar over the firing of Father Conroy shows two things highlighting the hypocrisy of the GOP.
1) In the invocation which so upset the good Catholic Paul Ryan, Conroy asked that the body be granted the wisdom to work on behalf of ALL Americans. This is exactly the Chaplain's job - to pray for bipartisan wisdom from elected officials who represent the populace. That Paul Ryan thinks a plea for help for all Americans is "political" says so much about his vile libertarian worldview and the hypocrisy of his self-touted Christianity.
2) Further, the fact that Ryan was angry enough with the padre's plea to ask him to leave proves that Ryan knew his chosen policies and those of the GOP were never meant to help all Americans, but only a very small, very rich, very influential portion of Americans - wealthy GOP supporters. This rankled Ryan so much that he couldn't keep from sticking his self-centered lame duck nose in where it didn't belong. Ryan couldn't allow his hypocrisy to be challenged by a man of the cloth rightly beseeching his body to act with wisdom and compassion for all Americans.
That the idea of helping all Americans is taking political sides in Ryan's GOP should tell you everything about conservatives. Why so many of us vote for their lies is what is preventing us from moving our democracy forward.
7
Why do we even have priests praying over our laws? Or Reverands or Rabbis or Imams? There's a separation between church and state in this country. By all means fire Father Conroy and don't replace him.
4
What happened to the separation of church and state? As strange as this "firing" was, there shouldn't be a priest in the first place, I think.
4
Ryan should be required to explain this dismissal. Catholic priests are under enough of a cloud that a move like this raises suspicions. Americans deserve to know who is the “bad guy” after an unprecedented move like this.
3
Gail: If the chaplain had prayed for the defeat of a bill funding Planned Parenthood, you'd be the first one to call for his removal.
2
The bigotry is spreading. Muslims, LGBT, women, minorities, immigrants, citizens in blue states -- is there anyone that Congressional Republicans do not hate? The tax bill punished all American citizens in blue states which are the engines of the economy.
The idea of equal rights, decency, and looking after the poor and suffering is being squashed. Ryan would not have done this without orders from higher up, and I don't mean a Supreme Deity.
3
Will Alter Boy Ryan experience great remorse over the harsh, unnecessary dismissal of the good Jesuit Conroy, enough to add it to his lengthy list of Washington-based sins when he returns to Wisconsin this weekend? How about some leakage from his home based church confessional for confirmation? For penance, one can hope that Ryan's parish priest tells him to come clean and publicly state that, indeed, that tax bill's entire objective was to further enrich the Republican wealthy donor class at the expense of all other Americans. We can hope for a miracle, can't we?
10
Mine was a very religious (catholic) family .. both my aunt and uncle in the orders ... catholic grade/prep/collage. Have heard my share of sermons --- I listened to fathers (the house chaplain) opening words and he would have been fired by me as well.
Don't think I would have needed another example --- he directly interjected himself into the debate ...nope -- goodby.
Have no problem with the idea of a house Chaplain -- a moment of reflection helps many. I'm sure it will be gone in not too many years ... many people don't even know they have one.
It's an art to inspire w/o specifics -- some have it some don't.
1
I can't read Paul Ryan's mind, but I can't see any justifiable reason for showing Conroy the door. Conroy's prayer before the tax bill debate are not partisan. Who would not support the idea of fairness? In fact, many Republicans have voiced support for the tax bill in terms of how beneficial it would be for those of lesser means (not that I buy what they were selling; that pitch was a smokescreen IMHO).
6
I am wondering how people who regularly attend church and listen to readings from the Bible can still go along with GOP and Trump. Apparently they do not seem to listen or, for sure, do not internalize the readings.
8
Hey. Let them hire one of those polygamous family preacher types from out West. Real family guy. 16 kids, 4 wives, all related. Or a friend of Donald's from the Jeff Epstein party days. A guy who clearly also loves kids. And fun.
We hired a POTUS whose creepy remarks about his daughters, multiple extra-marital excursions, tax avoidance, Putin crush, cash flow problems and knack for getting laundered rubles are all much admired by the GOP base. If Ryan wants to score before he leaves town, he'd appoint Trump as Chaplain. Gold leaf covered chapel.
7
Paul Ryan reflects the mindset of about thirty percent of the American voting public. This subset of the population controls the government of the United States. We should be very concerned and very afraid. This is not a laughing matter.
7
What part of Separation of Church and State don't they understand.
NO prayer is allowed during, after and/or before OUR government's work. Not in Congress. Not in the Senate. Not in OUR white house. Not in OUR governments in any form. Not in shcools. Not in anything OUR taxpayer dollars pay for.
17
Sadly, its you and others here who fail to understand the "separation of church and state".
Refusing to grant the church political standing, power in making laws and legal decisions, is in no way related to being a godless state, or one hostile to religion.
The primary objective is to prevent a single religion, Evangelical say, from attaining dominance and political sway.
There was never a desire to proceed without the moral guidance and personal support religion may offer many.
Speaking as one who sees in organized religions of all sorts a locus of vanity, greed, lust and contempt for one's fellows, I am still fine with the existence of and the function of a chaplain in the House.
I am far more afraid of religious zealots and lying hypocrites (Mr. Ryan) who make up their religion as they go and display it as a peacock displays its feathers to distract and disarm the gullible electorate.
2
All lot of comments I'm reading question the justification for employing a House clergy member in the first place. The arguments typically boil down to separation of church and state or the appropriateness of hiring one religious denomination to counsel all congress members. They have a point but I find the argument falls a little flat.
We might have partially exorcised the religious presence in schools. However, the government does employ chaplains in the military. This practice dates back to the Revolutionary War. Chaplains are even technically officers all though military personal never address them by a formal rank. Simply "chaplain." These chaplains come from any faith and they are generally required to administer to people of multiple faiths. A major base might have chaplains representing different faiths. An outpost in Afghanistan is "take it or leave it" if they have a chaplain at all.
Seeing as so many members of Congress are military veterans with a professed religious bent, I don't find it surprising Congress would request a dedicated chaplain. The position probably exists mostly for political reasons but there is some sort of precedent.
1
There is no good public policy reason to give credence to life after death either, but it apparently persists as a tool for military recruitment and consolation of families of dead soldiers. War would probably be less popular if it couldn't be sold as a fast track to paradise.
1
I don't know. You just listed two good policy reasons. Recruitment and consolation. I'd also add morale for the religiously inclined. No atheists in a foxhole or so the saying goes. I'm not sure war would be less popular either. You always have patriotism to fall back on where religion fails. Die for my country and so on. We've seen major wars take place within and between countries that are hypothetically non-religious. Besides, many chaplains are military chaplains specifically because the wanted to join their military but their faith professes pacifism. Something of spiritual loop hole if you ask me.
I knew the House employed a chaplain, though wondered why considering Separation of Church and State. My biggest surprise was that a thoughtful man such as Rev. Conroy was "hired" by John Boehner. At this point, if these House members feel the need for religious guidance more than they do a House psychologist, I recommend a rotating team of different religious denominations, without gender or marital status as a requirement.
9
Official prayer in public schools, and in many state and county meetings, is not legal. Remember that thing called "separation of church and state"? So why is it legal for Congress to have a chaplain that offers the official prayer? Get religion out of Congress. Bad enough that so many laws, and attempted laws, are based on religious belief, and most of these laws, and attempts, are disastrous. Congress should be religion-free.
Vote in more agnostics and atheists.
23
People who believe the US is "under God" fear its wrath if they vote for anyone who scoffs at everyone who claims to know what God thinks.
1
Since we are a nation of many faiths, how about rotating the chaplain duties among diverse faiths - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, for example. However, I have a sad feeling that such a proposal wouldn’t fly, given would the not so hidden Republican agenda to force a right wing evangelical government on us all.
14
They wouldn't even be able to agree on their order of rotation.
1
Dear Ms. Collins, Great Column as usual. Not all is lost for Catholics being represented in Congress, Rep. Mark Walker should know that there is a solution. Next time they could nominate a Catholic Deacon who can be married and many of them have adult children. Still, Father Conroy has my deepest appreciation. Amen.
10
Why should the taxpayer foot the bill for any religious functionary? Are we all hypocrites?
12
why should the taxpayer foot the bill for any charitable work? shouldn't such work be funded by donations rather than mandatory taxes?
2
Charitable work is often performing a duty for which the government might otherwise be responsible, such as the care and general welfare of citizens. Since the constitution lists the general welfare as a legitimate use for collecting taxes, there is nothing irrational about decreasing the tax burden on charitable actions that help the general citizenship.
Please note “charitable” is not necessarily synonymous with “religious.” The religious exemptions given to religious offerings is merely a societal gesture; one that is increasingly imperiled by religion’s misuse by politicians as a political tool (hence the anger at non-compliant chaplains and popes who contradict GOP policy).
2
SSS, charitable work is by definition funded by donations.
Anyone who knows how intelligent the Jesuits are understands the inferiority complex of the GOP in the presence of this priest. But, hey, out of sight ... out of mind.
17
Who would have thought, an 'altar boy' named Paul Ryan being vindictive...when his cruelty towards the least among us (the invisible poor) was revealed. Ryan is a despicable hypocrite. Good riddance NOW!
19
Add another stained page to The Book of Ryan. Must be War & Peace-sized by now.
12
“This time the quote works pretty well...” please please give us more Gail Collins!
7
If the next chaplain of the House needs to be a family man with children, how about an Imam this time?
23
Wow! Just think if NYT had a Chaplain and you were she, you could have been canned along ago on the old, "Do unto others..." Rule.
Be grateful for what you don't have, Gail.
1
The "don't do to others what one finds abhorrent oneself" rendition of the Golden Rule is much wiser because it is far easier to return in kind.
1
Nobody wants to hear a stump speech as a prayer. Stick to asking for the strength to be humble and to forgive, kind of like Jesus, you know, Gail?
1
Jesus said to pay taxes and condemned both the rich and people who despised the poor. The only instance of Jesus losing his temper was against those trying to corrupt faith to make money.
You think Ryan would’ve gotten along with his own professed God?
2
Yeah, because Republicans do exactly that, all right. Or more precisely, alt-right.
2
Congressional Prayer Caucus ! Who knew??!! When created?
3
It’s been around since 2005.
Prayer Breakfasts are Washington staples when Congress is in session.
1
Although there is an ample supply of places to worship in Washington, the pious, fraudulent, Christian hypocrites on Capitol Hill (I'm looking at you, Republicans) are compelled to display their "faith" in public. It's good for business.
9
It really is amazing how trusting Americans are of people who claim to live in fear of divine retribution for sinning after they die.
1
GOP Jesus hates gun control, universal health care and anything that assists the undeserving poor.
22
My first reaction was that the good Congressmen should relax; a priest can't reveal what he has been told in confession. Then, I smacked myself in the forehead for my stupidity, because these folks have NO IDEA they are doing anything wrong, and if they do have some doubts, they would never confess to anything. They would wrap themselves in the flag, hold a Bible and lie through their teeth.
9
It is imperative that the Republican Congress, those enlightened Christians and family value pushers get rid of those who remind them that perhaps they talketh with forked tongue and are quite comfortable cavorting in bed with the money lenders at the temple.
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
— Proverbs 14:21
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
— Proverbs 14:31
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
— Proverbs 19:17
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
— Proverbs 22:9
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
— Proverbs 28:27
8
The money-changing on the Temple steps was a necessary adjunct to selling sacrificial animals to be eaten on behalf of God by Pharisees to elicit divine intervention on behalf of paying supplicants.
Money is an economic tool of universal exchange. It is not sacred, or evil. Its exchange probably wasn't what bothered a man who advised people to pay their taxes cheerfully.
1
The dominant religion in Washington is greed. No wonder they canned the good padre.
13
You do realize all these greedy and corrupt types flock to DC from all the 50 state?
Want a better country with better politicians, as well as Supreme Court picks (lookin' at Citizens United), then stop VOTING along party lines and elect the best person. That goes double for the local level and state legislatures that serve as the farm team for DC.
2
Gail,
Is it yipes or yikes? I guess both are appropriate. But which idiom is best to describe your story?
Probably "yipes" is better.
"Yipe" is formidable, "yikes" not so much.
From dictionay.com:
yipe
interjection
An exclamation of dismay, alarm, emphatic response, etc : Yipes, it's a rattlesnake! Yipe, that hurt!
[esp teenagers; probably fr the spontaneous interjection yi, a cry of pain or dismay, with the p or k stop intruding after lip closure, as it does in nope and yep]
But for "yikes", this short entry:
yikes
[yahyks]
interjection
1. (an exclamation of surprise or alarm.)
I have the solution: separate church and state and rid Washington of these meddlesome priests.
6
If Jesus Christ came back today, Paul Ryan would be happy to reenact the part of Pontius Pilate.
Or maybe he would prefer to be Judas.
Or both.
16
How about a female chaplain this time? She could be a family woman, with a husband and kids, non-Catholic (obviously), perhaps a woman of color? Imagine the overwhelmingly white, overwhelmingly male Congress asking for her blessing on their tax and health care bills!
God = not just an old white guy like you.
12
Maybe when Congressman Walkersays he would like a chaplain with a wife and children he's thinking of an Imam?
4
Jesus, you're fired. No more praying about the meek.
451
I'm a Jew, so no dog in this fight, but Jesuits are way too smart for that confederacy of dunces.
18
Stop the presses! The Congressional chaplain says something Christian!
Better get rid of him.
15
Maybe they could get Osteen or one of the " prosperity " guys to be the next one. They could say that he has to drive a Mercedes or better as part of the job qualification. Or get one of the guys who is totally OK with Trump and the porn star and forgiving Trump even though he has not asked for forgiveness or admitted to doing anything for which one would be forgiven.
6
Paul Ryan is a Catholic in name only. His agenda was to can this priest because his view of compassion and humanity differs so sharply with that of Reverend Patrick Conroy. Ryan's calculated image as the former good Altar Boy/Model Catholic Youth is a total sham. The man is hollow, a Straw Man.
9
I agree.
And, since Ryan is leaving in January, it seems an extra-especially-petty thing to do.
4
Father Conroy, please hold the door open for Paul Ryan on your way out. Perhaps he will learn some of the principles of Christianity as he passes by.
5
Taking a cue from Mitch McConnell, the choice of Rev. Conroy's successor should await the 2018 election. Let the American people have a voice!
6
I'v always thought Ryan a poor representation of humanity, of the values the complete phony professes. But one more fact of Republican hypocrisy will add to the avalanche of GOP incompetence and stupidity that at some point might wake centrist voters to the truth; that Republicans are wrong on almost everything.
6
I would love to be a fly on a cloud, when Paul Ryan runs the line he used on Rev. Conroy, by St. Peter "“Padre, you just got to stay out of politics.”
5
Ryan has no need to feel ashamed about the tax bill when visiting his constituents: he himself proudly told of the story of the woman who had written to him that she was now receiving an additional $1.50 EVERY WEEK thanks to the new legislation, and that would amount to $72 by the end of the year! These people should be grateful for the politicians who really look out for them!
6
Paul Ryan, the trickle down Catholic?
6
So...convinced yet? I myself am not Catholic, but I do respect all members of the clergy, even those I don't necessarily agree with. Such a man deserves a certain level of respect. And yet, the Republicans claim to be the party of "the true Christians"...guess that eliminates anyone who doesn't agree with them or *dares* to criticize what they're doing.
It's no wonder Trump idolizes Putin; he wishes he could act that way here in the USA.
4
There is no place in this Congress for religion or religious leaders. You can't be "mean" and allow for religion at the same time. So the "right" chose Mean to compliment Trump and clan.
2
Surprised that Gail did not mention the possibility that the Republicans already have someone else in mind. An evangelical like Jerry Falwell?
4
Since President Obama was not "allowed" to pick a Supreme Court Justice in the last year of his presidency, it is only fair that Ryan not be allowed to pick a new chaplain in the last months of his Speakership.
Let the new Speaker make the decision.
5
Guilty consciousness provoked this firing, it seems.
6
Ryan can stand up to a Chaplain, but can't see his way clear to stand up to trump.
6
Paul Ryan is a disgrace, a Catholic-in-name-only, but isn’t it time we jettisoned the position of House Chaplain? With the gold plated health plan Congress has, it can’t be difficult to obtain counseling, and there is no shortage of churches in the Metro DC area if religious counseling is preferred. In our current atmosphere, however, I am anticipating a full on mega-church evangelical exhorting Congress to repent of such sins as believing in science and practicing kindness to all people.
349
Exactly. The next one appointed by the GOP will probably preach the prosperity gospel and ask for a private jet.
45
I think the next House chaplain should be a full-blown snake-handling holy roller who dresses like the farmer in Grant Woods' "American Gothic." Shouldn't the chaplain's appearance and style reflect the realities of current GOP politics?
41
"With the gold plated health plan Congress has, it can’t be difficult to obtain counseling, and there is no shortage of churches in the Metro DC area if religious counseling is preferred."
Sorry Maggie but that health plan for members of Congress is solid gold.
I knew the Republican put party before country so why not put the party before God.
31
Hey, New York Times, what happened to the comments posted for your news piece about the firing of the chaplain. Those of us who posted can see the 449 comments, that were posted yesterday (via mail link). Intelligent & passionate- sometimes controversial- reads, about what's at the core of America today: distribution of power by political, financial and religious forces. Especially he place of religion, under the Constitution & it's actual role and influence. I was looking forward to reading them closely this morning. Now there's no link to them. Too controversial? What's up?
2
Ryan is taking a page from Trump's playbook. Fire away your frustrations or problems.
176
Having a chaplain, any chaplain, simply props up the delusion of imaginary gods created in some idealized composite of man made notions of the perfect man. Women are second class in virtually all religions.
We don't need this in a secular government. We need to break the spell (a la Dennet) of religion. One of the primary directives of the Constitution was to keep separate church and state. Let's eliminate the position of chaplain all together.
Why is congress wasting time on this? We have a president who daily violates emoluments, who obstructs justice (fired Comey), pays hush money to porn stars, etc, etc.... Firing a chaplain is simply a distraction. Who cares? I don't.
2
Right move to can the chaplain. If you need religious advise just go to church. Politics is nothing but a constant back stabbing below the belt entertainment - leave god out of it.
3
Truly, the mark of petty, insecure people.
6
Paul Ryan defends the Golden Calf.
7
My only REAL reaction is to laugh and laugh and laugh that Conroy had to guts to say those things to that sorry bunch of crooks, criminals, and lying con men and women.
Kudos!!!
A pox upon Ryan and the rest of the lying liars pretending to honest, law abiding, citizens.
We all know they are not, and so does Mr. Conroy.
7
Gail Collins writes:
“Ryan, who’s been vague about his motives, apparently did complain about the tax prayer. Conroy says he told him, “Padre, you just got to stay out of politics.””
Interesting in the light of the above that earlier this year Ryan discussed his faith; he’s a Roman Catholic.
"I could not do my job as a husband, as a father, as the speaker of the House without my faith. It is indispensable. It is an integral part of my life. I start my day in prayer; I end my day in prayer," he explained. "I pray with my kids at night on the phone before they go to bed. I just did with my son Sam last night, so it's a big part of our family life and it's what sustains us."
Ryan must have somehow overlooked the Judeo/Christian tradition’s central teachings about the poor. (Central indeed to all the great religions of the world, as to all great teaching.) If poverty is politics, as Ryan suggests, then the great religions are inherently political.
Proverbs 21:13
“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”
Luke 6:20-26
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.
4
Which holy roller do the Republicans plan to choose to replace Rev. Conroy?
6
Hmm...I wonder what Pope Francis would think about this?
2
We all see that Paul Ryan is a very devout Practicing Hypocrite, the new religion of the reactionary GOP.
7
Why don't they try a rabbi on for size or is God and our government exclusively Christian?
4
(Revised. Thanks)
Gail Collins writes:
“Ryan, who’s been vague about his motives, apparently did complain about the tax prayer. Conroy says he told him, “Padre, you just got to stay out of politics.””
Interesting in the light of the above that earlier this year Ryan discussed his faith; he’s a Roman Catholic.
"I could not do my job as a husband, as a father, as the speaker of the House without my faith. It is indispensable. It is an integral part of my life. I start my day in prayer; I end my day in prayer," he explained. "I pray with my kids at night on the phone before they go to bed. I just did with my son Sam last night, so it's a big part of our family life and it's what sustains us."
Ryan must have somehow overlooked the Judeo/Christian tradition’s central teachings about the poor. (Central indeed to all the great religions of the world, as to all great ethical teaching.) If poverty is politics, as Ryan suggests, then religion is inherently political.
Proverbs 21:13
“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”
Luke 6:20-26
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.
2
The priest will be replaced with a Trump-worshipping evangelical as a preliminary to the End Times.
“Realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…” 2 Timothy 3:1-4
4
This somehow feels like the kid at school who gets bullied constantly and then goes home and kicks the dog.
5
There are lots of wonderful women rabbis out there. Just sayin’.
3
What is this firing of the chaplain supposed to distract us from???
2
Aha! Good question.......
2
Maybe this little spat will open blind eyes to the ongoing animosity between Evangelicals and Catholics, spilling into the halls of Congress and conservative Christian living rooms across the country...
3
It is more and more difficult to continue to claim to be a Republican. I'm not sure I can manage much longer.
8
By firing the House of Representatives Chaplain, the "tax code prayer" has been given a lot of press. Thousands of people have heard or read the prayer and have been reminded of its message. It is true. God works in mysterious ways.
11
I hereby join my fellow Commenters calling for the elimination of the chaplaincy. Religion is a private matter, not a civil matter.
5
Although maybe not Constitutional, Congress really needs a reminder of values, however symbolic or diminished.
1
Gail, you say Ryan is vague about the motives for firing Fr Conroy but we can fill in the picture.
Ryan claims to be a devoted Catholic.
But, if being Catholic means being a man of the Gospel then we know that Ryan is anything but that.
He is a man of Ayn Rand and her gospel is the opposite of that contained within the New Testament. Ryan's inner greed found solace in a shallow, abased, philosophy as Rand's. And what was that tax plan that the Republicans put through that was Ryan's pet project? It was the gospel of Ayn Rand being made operative - selfishness and simple greed.
You cannot be a devotee of Ayn Rand and be a man of the Gospel. That just can't be squared. Conroy got fired for implying that the Gospel should take precedence and that greed should not be operative in the minds of the men debating the tax plan.
And, by the way, why does Ryan even claim Catholicism as his faith? There are much better, less-conflicting, faiths-for-greed out there. Take Joel Osteen's prosperity gospel or some other perversion of the Gospel, like the one that allowed evangelical voters to support a pedophile like Roy Moore. These faiths have been hollowed out of any relevance to the Gospel.
Or Ryan just should shed the comfort of Ayn Rand and just proclaim himself a greedy Catholic. For as Luther says, "Sin but sin boldly."
Ryan is a coward like all other Republicans who proclaim their Christian credentials and then put through that abominable tax plan.
10
This confirms it, Paul Ryan is just as bad as the Trump-supporting part of Republicans in Congress and perfectly explains why he has not already removed somebody like Nunen from the chairmanship of House intelligence committee.
I really do not understand why regular working Republicans can look at this tax bill and not feel duped and betrayed?
I really do not understand why (self proclaimed?) good Christians are mostly Republicans, that means they want to cut taxes for the rich and cut assistance to the sick poor, old poor and working poor. They seem to be good Christians only in relation to their despise and righteousness towards those they consider sinful.
7
With so many congressmen resigning over sexual harassment charges -- another one just yesterday -- clearly the good father was ineffective in his mission to keep Congress honorable.
What?
1
One reason some very religious folks pushed for the Bill of Rights was to keep the State from imposing, barring or altering their faith.
After years of violating the First Amendment’s “brick wall” separating government from religion, many more people might get the point.
There should be NO people hired by the taxpayers of a multitude of religions and degrees of acceptance of their faith’s formal beliefs or practices.
Not even the generic public “God” has any home in government - the hearts and minds of Americans should be uncontrolled by the State, the State, as an organization uncontrolled by a theology.
And that does include military “Sky Pilots” whose job appears to be to advise fighters that killing for their nation has God’s OK stamped on it.
Not to mention the tax dollars wasted on these unconstitutional offices!
I am sad to see that the public experience in this nation of immigrants of every extant faith has been do limited. Why one responder here has only spoken to Christians and Jews, never Muslims, Buddhists, Hindi, Bahai, Atheists to Zoroastrians.
And the number of offshoots of the original Judaism and Christianity, many existing in the US alone (I’ve heard numerous arguments whether the LDS is Christian or “heretical” from the members of sects the original Christians, Roman and Orthodox, consider children of that Ultimate Heretic, Luther. Meet your neighbors - they have some interesting concepts on the nature of the Divine no dozen chaplains could represent.
1
Roman Catholic Speaker Ryan fires Jesuit Congressional Chaplain because he asked for a fair tax law?
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” Jesus was not familiar with Ayn Rand. Paul Ryan is unfamiliar with Jesus. His actions, his plans, his policies are all Rand. None are Jesus. This is so obvious that one is almost embarrassed to bring it up. In fact, the whole American trickle down nonsense is shameful. In a country as rich as ours how can anyone explain how it is acceptable for anyone to be homeless, hungry, uneducated, neglected? Why is the self serving “profit motive” sufficient to permit reduction in food stamps, or healthcare for those who are poor? How do we manage to elect cruel people who claim to serve Jesus but are obviously greedy liars?
3
I'm all for separation of church and state -- meaning no chaplains, imams, Druids, evangelicals, rabbis or any other preachers in Congress -- but firing the House chaplain for expressing a Christian hope that Republican tax cuts don't hurt the poor is moronic in the extreme. Seems like Paul Ryan is determined to convince his critics that their opinion of him as a spineless idiot is indeed correct before he steps down as speaker.
4
He is a priest. A Catholic!
Not married.
It is all pretty clear.
It's official, Christians, at least those in Republican Congress, do not care about the sick, the old and the poor.
2
The reality of Roman Catholicism in the history of that faith is unveiled in Father Conroy's stance as a Jesuit, courageous, focused and compassionate, even daring and willing to speak truth to power. Paul Ryan is the loser for many reasons, most importantly, his unwillingness to stand up to Trump and to defend democracy that Father Conroy actually does with great simplicity and compassion. Speaker Ryan will fade away as a defender of self serving calculating politicians and an incompetent and even dangerous president. Father Conroy will be remembered as a man with integrity speaking on behalf of a faith and a Nation committed to the well being of each person.
1
Just wondering about separation of church and state...why do they have a pastor on the payroll? They can find spiritual counseling on their own, like most employees of most organizations. Crazy.
2
This is why I am not a Republican. (Ronny Jackson is okay, the chaplain is not. Scott Pruitt is okay, the chaplain is not.) This is why I never voted for a Republican. This is why I do not want to be in the same room with Republicans. They are unholy. Sorry, Dog Whistle Followers, in this matter the truth is profoundly sad.
4
Why does Congress even have a chaplain? Separation of church and state. There should be no prayers involved in public policy ever.
3
How about this? How about respecting the wishes of the founding authors of the bill of rights, specifically the opening clause of the 1st amendment to the constitution, “..congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion..” and ditch the chaplain’s post completely?
4
Why are Democrats letting Ryan off the hook so easily? Why isn't the real reason for this weird behavior being pushed and Ryan's feet being held to the fire? It is clearly a winning issue when a priest is fired for even very mild criticism of the highly unpopular tax bill giveaway to the 1%. Does Pelosi have any sense? She and Shumer and the whole rotten DNC are so out of touch that I really despair of the Democrats 2018 chances.
1
The current Republican policies have been blatantly motivated by greed. They do not stand up to any thoughtful intellectual analysis. The Republicans must be threatened by the highly educated Chaplain.
3
For those Republicans upset that the House Chaplin has been a Catholic and they want someone from another religion I hope the next Chaplin is either an Imam or a Rabbi.
The next chaplain "should be a family man, with a wife and “adult children.” Thank God Jesus is not applying.
3
Priests, rabbis, Imams or any other person dispensing prayers belong in places of worship, not the US Congress. The only things worshipped in Congress are money , power and stupidity.
The prayer is another show of hypocrisy by this bunch of lying, cheating, philandering and adulterous politicians. While those sins seem to be perfectly OK to a lot of religious leaders when it comes to approving of the current GOP leadership, the approval does seem to be a misinterpretation of the Bible to others. The committee looking for a replacement chaplain needs to dissolve the position and then dissolve itself and stop another misuse of taxpayers' money.
1
A truly Trumpian move by Ryan. The whole House voted a two year term for the Father, and Ryan unilaterally dismisses him. Ryan's on his way out and he needs to do this petty act now. Interesting. I see the hand of the evangelicals with their big pinky rings all over this. Disgusting.
4
We can not afford to take our eyes off of Ryan, you can be assured he will pop back like Jason at the end of Friday the 13, if he sees the chance to increase human suffering.
3
Aside from the controversy and intrigue, my question is, why is there a chaplain and why are prayers present at any government function? Separation of church and state is vital for a free republic. Religious ideologues are the scourge of this democracy and are at the core of many of our ills. Greed and piety are our undoing.
2
Ryan shows the same "princess and the pea" sensitivity as Donald does. Republicans cannot brook anyone who disagrees with them on any issue.
Since when did party become more important than honor?
2
I hope of hopes that the US embraces learning and knowledge and reading. This anti-intellectual strain since 1980 is wreaking lasting devastating damage on the country. OK so empires are won and lose themselves, seems to be the clear historical imperative. The US experience has been very short and mean. Surging up after Europe and the East were devastated in the second world war the US was briefly a hugely productive economic power and even more briefly gave a tad of its power to the oppressed more than half of the population. But 30 to 35 years later it began to self destruct under Ronald Reagan, the US electing a charlatan as president of an increasingly complex world, who began an incisive war on education, on equality, and against teeny countries which were no threat. So now the US ends up with Trump. Well it was a nice ride for those of us lucky enough to experience part of the upside. Too too bad for the rest of yous.
If anybody in these comments has not read Ayn Rand I suggest you do. She wrote novels directed at rather crude adolescent male fantasies essentially, full of women lead characters begging for rape, of brute handsome independent rich guys. Non-subtle testosterone simplistic rapist nasty tales. None of the characters/complexities that you see in Justice League comics put together by more sophisticated thinkers and observers than Rand was. Its very telling that Paul Ryan and his sociopathic supporters look to Rand as a serious thinker.
1
The obvious solution is that in addition to the Catholic priest they had, Congress also needs to hire a rabbi, an imam, several Protestant clergy from the various denominations, a Buddhist monk, the Dalai Lama, an Eastern Orthodox patriarch, one of the Apostles from the Latter Day Saints, a Hindu yogi, a Zoroaster Mobad, and a pagan witch.
Each would then take a few minutes to deliver an opening prayer invoking the hopes of their particular following, at the end of which Congress would have at least as clear an understanding of what direction the country should go in as they have now.
Or, we could just dispense with this transparent Christian demonstration of fealty to a moral code almost none of them understands nor practices. God help us.
Rev. Patrick Conroy just never got the message that the Republicans only pray for their Donors and never mention helping the 40% of our population that have no wealth.
3
Lordy, I hope there are tapes, emails, texts, documents that explain this random act and re who might be posited to replace Father Conroy.
Whether there should or shouldn't be a chaplain is a good debate topic, but off point now and does anyone really believe they care about the squeaking of the hoi polloi
2
Ryan, devout Catholic, unchained, free now, fires the parish priest. Wow.
With any luck they will be able to agree on a replacement and we atheists will finally be represented in the chaplain's position.
1
It's time for an atheist or an imam or a rabbi or a monk or nun.
If I was the chaplain and told by the Speaker “Padre, you just got to stay out of politics" I would have told the Speaker to stay out of religion!
2
Great response! Yes! Yes! Yes!
1
They teach Ryan’s behavior in Hypocrisy 101 at Republican College.
2
Time to “Let them eat cake”
Ryan and Koch got their take
The poor and old
Left out in the cold
The priest told to "jump in the lake"
2
Nothing upsets hypocrites more than being reminded of their hypocrisy and the chaplain offering a prayer for fairness in the tax cuts certainly ruffled the feathers of the GOP who don't like to be reminded of their greed and distain of anyone who isn't wealthy.
1
I hope a female Rabbi is appointed as House Chaplain. I do not care if she is married, single, widowed, or divorced. I do not care if she is a mother.
I do care if she is well educated & humane.
Paul Ryan is a moral coward & a disgrace to the nuns who taught him. His hypocrisy knows no bounds. His acquiescence to Comrade Trump rather than the ethics & moral code he pretends to espouse is as repellant as it is revealing.
As the nuns always emphasized: it matters NOT that you are alone in making a moral decision to speak out. It matters, however, that you speak out, take action, and prevent further injustice. It matters that you care for the poor, ill, and all those who are our most vulnerable. It matters that you "make room at the inn." It matters that "the migrant, Jesus, is at home in your heart, mind & soul. It matters that you give, not take. It matters that you make amends & seek redemption.
Lying Paul Ryan, it is with 110% certainty that the nuns who taught you & your Iris Catholic ancestors would collectively command you to find a priest for your immediate confession.
Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, however, is unavailable.
2
Whatever the reason, there's should be no room, or welcome, for a Chaplain, of any persuasion, in Congress. We must keep religion out of government, as required by the Constitution.
While the good chaplains prayers and ideology mirror my own in many ways - it does beg the question - why are the taxpayers paying for a chaplain (Imam rabbi) when we have separation of church and state - certainly there are churches mosques and synagogues in DC that our congressional religious zealots can go and pray if they need to. Meanwhile, let's have less "thoughts and prayers" and have some meaningful legislation that actually might help someone.
Jerry W N E Kingdom VT
4
The chaplaincy was created when Washington was an unfinished, isolated backwater. It's become a huge city with many churches. It's time to eliminate the position. Members can find counseling in their Faith's outside of the Capitol.
This incident illustrates the huge problems caused by comingling church and state. Fr. Conroy used his position to press for the Church's position on poverty and Speaker Ryan retaliated in a brutal manner. Everyone looks small and the US government is demeaned.
1
Far from the first time, ... there's a part of me that wants to take issue with Ms. Collins' efforts to find "humor" in sad events.
But - also, pretty much as usual - the part that says, "Since laughing and crying [about the trumpster & his court jesters] have equally little effect, let's go with laughter!"
Plus the column is SO clever in teasing out theories. This is also one time I'm glad that a Jesuit recognizes (and makes it clear) that the 50 or so years Mr. Ryan has "graced" planet earth ... are as nothing to the 2000+ that Rev. Conroy's "employer" has behind it.
Last, I'm reminded of the New Yorker columnist who has shook her head a few times at how Donald has "handled" the Stormy Daniels mess, seeming to enjoy the sound of his voice, even when it injures him in a handful of uncontestable ways. At least Mr. Ryan IS running out the clock and arguably can't do much MORE harm in his time left in D.C.
The more likely explanation is that Paul Ryan is adopting Donald Trump's personality along with his policies and chaos. Thus, saying "Your fired" to the House Chaplain was probably inevitable.
2
Congress should not have a chaplain in the first place. Our elected officials should practice their religion privately, in their own time and at their own expense like the rest of us.
1
This is actually Don's friend, Karin
Maybe you can answer my question: Why is there a chaplain for the House (as well as for the Senate)? How come those guys are allowed to pray on tax-payer time doing government work? I thought we have separation of church and state.
Just wondering. And a little perturbed.
1
I think Mark Walker's comment contains the real reason. A Jesuit priest is presumably celibate and might not be the ideal counselor for a legislator who has had an affair or has engaged in sexual harassment and is looking for a counselor who will soothe their conscience.
2
Why just punish the Catholics? Why not eliminate all religious affiliations and prejudices and total involvement, prayers, etc., within the walls of congress at all, just as the framers intended.
Also, lets restore the pledge of allegiance, removing "under god" to the way it was when I attended school back in the fifties.
1
It is possible that Speaker Ryan has been made aware of a skeleton in the priest's closet, and asking him to resign now without explanation is a gentle way of handling it.
1
But didn't the Republicans say that the tax bill was good for everyone? Then Ryan fires the chaplain for praying for that exact outcome? What is wrong with this picture?
1
It's always seemed strange to me that the majority of Republicans profess to be Christians but go out of their way to do the opposite of Christ's teachings, particularly as they relate to the poor. It's also odd that they favor the rich who, according to Jesus, will never enter the kingdom of heaven. If he returned tomorrow, incognito, they'd probably label him a socialist.
2
The GOP plays the long game, had to learn to do that after Nixon. Their deflection has been brilliant if toxic: in 1976, Reagan openly wooed the evangelicals, Catholics and bible bangers in order to upset the Democratic apple cart that had just elected an evangelical president, Jimmy Carter. The GOP strategy then as now hinged on open contempt and hatred of working women, if not all females, gays and minorities. It's worked like a charm for 40 years and likely always will now that America has a much larger population of evangelicals and Catholics due to massive immigration from those conservative religious 3rd world places.
1
Mr. Ryan once again desperately foils a voice of reason in Congress to advance his own agenda- even ifbits coming from God....
2
Considering the unethical state of the U.S. Congress, perhaps the good chaplain was fired for total ineffectiveness.
I think we now have an inkling as to how Jesus would be received by these "conservative" Republicans were he to appear tomorrow.
2
The hypocritical Ryan just admitted that his tax cuts are more important to him than his soul or beliefs. What a corporate stooge he is.
3
Must be someone is having trouble looking in the mirror each morning. Too bad, so sad. Firing the chaplain won’t help. Changing thinking and actions will.
1
There is no depth to which they (GOP) will not sink.
You’re overlooking the obvious. He was fired because his prayer so utterly failed.
Sorry, but what's the deal with "adult children?" Other than a really grating oxymoron?
3
I don't think you would publish my actual thoughts. The only thing I've read so far about Father Conroy is that he was fired for acting like a Christian. Evidently there are a horde of folks in the Congress who want to be Christians without any responsibility to act like it.
579
How about Congress just post a plaque reminding them of the "Golden Rule"?
It's all one needs as a guide to life.
13
That fits. There are certainly a whole lot of politicians and voters who want to be smart people without actually knowing anything.
22
Has there EVER been a better example of the need to keep Separation of Church and State?
NO prayers are needed before, during or after OUR Congress/Senate/Presidential business. NONE.
Get rid of all religious "advisors" and do not elect anyone who tries to force religious beliefs of any kind on US. It is unconstitutional.
4
I'm certainly sympathetic to Patrick Conroy, but why does the House of Representatives need a chaplain in a country that explicitly excludes religion from government?
5
I have learned much about Jesuit Priests thanks to this article and the readers responses. I am an Agnostic and never gave to much credibility to any religious figure, although I respect what they try to do. I have no tolerance for the carnival barkers, but given the Jesuits are highly educated and free thinkers they might bring a different and less religious perspective to societies ills.
5
Ironically, Republicans ran on "religious freedom" in the last election. I guess that religious freedom only extends to quasi-religious types in step with the corporate agenda.
Jesus Christ need not apply...
6
I would rather have our members of Congress pray silently and sincerely than pray loudly under a minister that flatters their opinions of themselves. In Luke 20:46-47, Jesus says, "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."
5
This so recalls the tale of Robert Bauman who was the co-founder of Young Americans for Freedom and the American Conservative Union. He had been my supervisor when I was a US Capitol Page. Mr. Bauman became a member of the House in time. As a conservative Catholic, he’d rail against the vast homosexual conspiracy from the Well of the House after regular business constantly. Then he was arrested for soliciting sex from a sixteen year old boy. Rabidly accusing others of sins is the great sinners hide the crimes.
1
This would be a great chance to select a Buddhist monk or nun to be the next Chaplin.
6
No public monies ought fund any religion. Congress and the entire government at all levels functioned remarkably well...until the bible bangers came out of the woodwork to control government and stick they hand in the pocket of taxpayers.
Is it possible that this odd, seemingly self-defeating action WAS a paradoxical attempt to undermine Republican chances this November, driven by the unconscious realization that the party as currently constituted is bad for the country? That would imply that on some level, even if only deep, deep down, Paul Ryan is a mensch. Doubtful.
2
The pre-legislative debate prayer for fairness in the then upcoming tax bill development removed any ability of the elected officials to say to their constituents at town halls, "I didn't know that I was to consider fairness, the impact on the poor, or ensuring that both rich and poor prosper when I helped draft and/voted for the tax bill. I wasn't warned. Nobody told me."
The cold-hearted Republicans hate "I told you so" comments. They hate them more when they are on the record.
5
A proper non-denominational, ecumenical prayer, regardless of who delivers it, can be seen as a plea for fairness, justice, love of one's fellow man, a moral reminder of our obligations to each other. Or at least it should be. It seems to me that the House Chaplain was doing exactly that and, if so, it was very much in keeping with the charge of his office. Perhaps if we are to now endure yet one more offense to our sense of charity, justice, and morality by House Republicans it is time to relinquish the position of House Chaplain entirely and replace it with an official House Scold and Disciplinarian whose charge will be to heap shame on those of low moral character who pretend to serve their constituents' interests while serving only their own.
3
Praying was invented to reinforce the delusion that nature has some kind of empathy for people and can be moved to intervene consciously in human affairs. When done it public, it may affect other people, but it has no effect on nature. There is no good reason for public policy to encourage the practice.
2
Jesus said, quite plainly, that one should FAVOR the poor, children, the ill, prisoners, strangers and others at the margins. Further, Jesus specifically gave examples of his mindset in choosing to associate with outcasts of his time.
One would assume that, in choosing a Christian chaplain, Ryan could have anticipated that the Chaplain would be in comportment with the teachings and example of Jesus. Apparently, Speaker Ryan and the Republican caucus he leads do not much like Jesus' teachings.
Now the Republicans lead by Catholic Ryan want a Chaplain who promises not to reflect these religious teachings and principles. There are, in fact, quite a number of clergy -- Christian and otherwise -- who meet the Speaker's criteria (i.e. who didn't take Jesus seriously in this regard).
So now the House of Representatives can go find a (likely) Christian chaplain who will tell them what they want to hear without all that inconvenient stuff.
10
Someone like Franklin Graham.
The “prosperity gospel” no doubt.
A disciple of Ayn Rand.
1
It seems odd that Ryan would tell the "padre," a the House Chaplain, to stay out of politics when it seems more than OK for the Grahams and Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress to hold forth at length about their own beliefs and values and how those values should and do affect political process. Of course, it is often TV friendly spiritual values that inform TV based leadership personas. Ryan recently blamed unemployment on "joblessness," a behavioral label that ignores the lack of employment opportunities. Ryan decries low birth rates while citing his procreative contributions to the tax base while failing to mention that motherhood is, in many "values-based" families, a largely unpaid full time job. A chaplain need not be married to speak to socioeconomic equity and in many religious circles, what parades itself as "family values" is more often an unbridled capitalist prosperity dogma that rewards salesmanship.
5
These very same hypocrites are moving to protect political preachers from having their tax preferences revoked for preaching Republican politics from their home pulpits.
The whole Ryan entourage is devoid of ethics.
2
Paul Ryan envisioned himself as president.
Major failure in that regard.
Plan B is making big money. Speaking tours, exploiting political connections — all the usual stuff. What better way to start on that lucrative journey than to create controversy, ingratiate yourself to various influential religious groups, and keep your face in the news?
Besides, it's much more fun than hanging out in the basement of Congress pretending to be working on great (but non-existent) bills.
9
Another verification that Ryan is spineless - not that we needed any more evidence of that. Jesuits are highly educated men who work on behalf of the poor - they take a vow of poverty, they are taught to think critically and only then give an opinion - over the span of time Jesuits fulfilled their mission to the poor no matter the consequences to their own welfare. Hence, we have Ryan who is putty in the hands of the Nunes, et al., of Congress striking out at a man who dared speak against the tax bill and how the poor and almost poor will pay the price - not the Ryans of the world - so what is willow reed Ryan to do? Why blow in the wind as expected by Nunes and his ilk, and fire the man who dared to speak for
the wronged and most in need of the U.S. while Ryan and the other million dollar men/women in Congress smirk and get richer. Shame is the name of Ryan.
11
Critical thinkers perceived that nature functions entirely without emotional response to human activities long before the life and death of Jesus.
Turns out Speaker Ryan's Ayn Rand faith "trumps" his catholic faith.
16
While I imagine the chaplain has a higher level moral decency than any of the republicans in the congress, the separation of church and state issue is bothersome to me. What we really need is a posse of psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health workers counseling our elected leaders on how to make clear, lucid decisions that benefit the majority, rather than their backers.
13
There is no thought whatsoever given to the effects of US public policy on US public health by the likes of Paul Ryan. We are governed by people who claim it is normal to own weapons like AR-15s.
2
It’s pretty obvious (at least to me) that the chaplain was fired because he’s a Catholic in a Congress dominated by evangelical Christians. The “prosperity gospel” types that think that Jesus personally told them to lower the top tax bracket and to get the capital
gains rates down.
17
"Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's" comes across to me as an instruction suggesting that public spending of tax revenues adds to private incomes.
Something as important as the position of House chaplain should require thorough vetting and then hearings similar to senate confirmation for a cabinet position. They could ask “How we’ll do you know God?” “Give is some examples of your work, like previous prayers and good deeds.” “Do you agree that Christ should have thrown the money changers out of the temple.” “What is your position on the virgin birth (kind of a birther question)?” For myself, I would like to see the job description for the position. How do we know these guys are even qualified to pray for them? Appointing someone who has no managerial skills to manage a department the a multi-billion dollar budget and 300,000 employees is bad enough, but this whole procedure for hiring chaplains is even more disturbing. The American people deserve to know if our representatives are getting the best possible prayers with someone who has the best possible channel to God.
4
The founding principle of separation of church and state, specifically designed by Jefferson and Madison to prevent the religious meddling, tax abuses and both government and societal support of these commercial religious cults eroded in the 1950s. Injection of religious enterprises and the forced financial support of those by taxpayers has only grown worse and more corrosive to the nation, particularly since 1980. This will not end well for America; it is the root of not just evil but of most tribal divisiveness, bloody wars and corruption around the world.
7
Stealing the commons s not looked upon with kind eyes The almighty , though theoretically separate must speak up.
4
Steve, sounds to me like the chaplain offered up a prayer based on the principles of the Bible. Socialist? Maybe. Try giving Matthew 25 another read.
Anyway, socialism is as American as apple pie. The Republicans are just afraid to admit it. Do you have fire and police departments, and public roads where you live? I'm pretty sure you do. Does anyone have social security or Medicare there? How about public schools and libraries? Those are all socialism in action, my friend.
16
So are all forms of insurance!
I thought we believed in separation of church and state in this country.
There should never have been a chaplain in the first place.
12
If the only hint of a reason for this firing is "Padre, you just got to stay out of politics," I'm OK with that as long as it works both ways. Politicians should also stay out of our religion. Yet Republicans can't seem to do that. They keep telling their Christian constituents that there is only one understanding of scripture when it comes to sexuality, marriage, and reproduction and of course ignore the many who are not Christians or any other mainstream religion. The laws they make based on their own Christian understanding have far more impact on us than anything their chaplain publicly prays has on how they legislate.
19
So many excellent responses to this article, Gail. Yes, a smart and educated member of the clergy dared to speak to the tenets of Christianity to his audience about the so-called tax reform bill. Even alluding to it upset other members enough so that Paul Ryan in an outstanding act of cowardice fires the priest w/a seven-year tenure. Yes, this separates the Shia from the Sunni, the evangelicals on the side of those who want to prevent women from choice, from others who want to express themselves in their own way. And those who think the tax bill was an act of selfishness and greed, not one of the promises made and kept by the MAGA bunch. Such behavior. Keep the priest and get rid of some of the members, I say.
13
Could this firing have anything to do with the strong Evangelical Protestant support for President Trump?
9
My Kiwanis group used to pray that Obama would not be reelected.
The church and religions are part of the political process as we like to say God is on our side.
I'm sure your Kiwanis group is a stand-up group of people who strongly support the six key principles ("objects") of the Kiwanis: http://www.kiwanis.org/about/values
They do, right?
I'm no rocket scientist, but I'd say Donald Trump embodies the antithesis of each and every word of these values. A real Kiwanian would view the current President with a mix of horror and shame.
But, hey, thoughts and prayers.
Evidently God had other ideas! Sometimes I think the current Congress and President are God's punishment for our turning away from Jesus' teachings! Maybe we will start to think more clearly as our air and water are fouled, our schools fail our kids, we get turned down for medical care and the tax cuts go to the very wealthy.
Its becoming very obvious that Paul Ryan is a Catholic in name only. Perhaps he should follow the lead of the Vice President Pence and find a church that is more compatible with his very materialistic and narrow-minded values.
11
What’s the critical function for the House chaplain? If to open every session, how about start with a moment of silence instead?
4
It is my hope that this firing of a Jesuit priest will cause all Catholics to vote Democratic in the next election. However they all seem to be congregated in MA and RI that vote Democratic anyway. Not too many Catholics living down here in the ole South.
4
How dare this lowly chaplain speak to power about fairness, equity? To Frat Boy Ryan, who values more, and more and more, above all else?
The wallet is Trump’s master but power is Ryan’s.
7
He’s a Jesuit, for cryin’ out loud. He’s from an order that still believes in knowledge and intelligence—apparently even as regards tax policy. Heavens! That almost makes him a Democrat, at least in the eyes of a Republican Congress. The logic is simple, once you realize that knowledge and intelligence are just downright dangerous—to some things.
12
as usual, awkward and mean spirited, but, hey - Republicans, right?..
meanwhile, this could be a good opportunity to revisit the need for any Congressional chaplain at all. especially if the debate really revolves aroud which type of Christian the chaplain should be.
what about an Imam? a Reform Rabbi? a voodoo practioner... or, perhaps most appropriately, a Native American?
this is all about Christians, and specifically evangelicals, lording it over everyone else, bevause they k ow tjat they are better, and saved, and washed, and all that.
divisive, when we need unity! throw religion out of politics.
I largely agree and plead guilty to awkwardness, perhaps even usual awkwardness, if this is directed at my comment and others I’ve offered (your referent is not clear). But I do not plead guilty to mean-spiritedness, just editorial laxity. I should have said “this” Republican Congress, not “a” Republican Congress—I’m hopeful with respect to some future incarnation of this body. Thanks for the admonition. As to religion and politics, yes, they must be separated, and, yet, they will remain intermingled as long as human beings have religious sentiment and respect for religious knowledge. I don’t consider self-righteous hubrus to be a form of religious sentiment nor is it respectful of the long history of religious knowledge, but nor is all evangelicism hubristic self-righteousness. And let’s not forget about modern day scientism, itself self-righteous and hubristic.
What with the average Jesuit being pretty well educated and intelligent, I’m surprised Fr. Conroy even wants the job.
7
If Ryan needs to act out, there is much material to work with, but he targets a Jesuit priest. Petty as can be.
'Padre' Ryan, you just got to stay out of politics. Your efforts to remove the Pope for the same cause will hurt your party if you stay until November.
3
This is just another assault on decency. A priest being sacked, because he prayed for the poor, makes for a sad day. Paul Ryan is a craven pharisee. He can feign a regard for the least of us, but his actions prove otherwise. Once again, it's clear that "evangelical" is presently antithetical to a commonly held understanding of "Christian" values.
7
What happened to the separation of church and state?
3
To be fair, the next chaplain should be an atheist. Call it affirmative action for the non-inclined, i.e., not inclined to indulge in the supernatural.
This way, he or she can be disliked in a bi-partisan fashion and perhaps shoulder the blame when things go wrong and America is not blessed.
6
Representative Mark Walker would like to see a family "man with a wife a several children." Many fine women are also clergy, but maybe he is unaware of that fact.
8
Seems more likely the priest was fired for refusing to grant penalty-free absolution to congressmen who confessed to being serial sex, drug and/or tax abusers.
3
The best explanation is that Speaker Ryan is cut out of the same cloth as Donald Trump. He is petty and vindictive and very closed minded. He works for the Republican donor class and used Trump's election to pass his beloved Tax Scam violating normal procedures such as bipartisan and open hearings. Of course his Tax achievement benefits the privileged elite and the corporate state and will greatly exacerbate the deficit.
It was promoted with deceit and deception as benefiting the middle class without any reasonable proof.
So the chaplain was fired because his prayer for fairness
went unheard of and Ryan wants no reminder of his own hypocrisy and duplicity. In short Speaker Ryan is a political hack and con artist like the man he appeases
Trump and of the same low standard of ethics.
Sad!
9
Ryan is in bed with Trump and Evangelical Christians. Ryan is no Catholic. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. That is the way Evangelical Christians work. I know this first hand. I watched one destroy my family. Their wickedness boarders on criminal and they are proud of it.
Ryan quit as Speaker but didn't step down because he still has several tasks to accomplish that he couldn't were he seeking re-election. It is all a distraction...
2
Hospitals have chaplains, often several, representing different denominations, Hospitals are a place of hope and tragedy; a place where prayer can be comforting. In a hospital the role of chaplain is real, not just ceremonial or traditional or a pretext that the business done in this building is blessed.
2
Perhaps we need the dog whisperer as chaplain? but I am sure that most Congress people are more vicious or adept at holding a grudge than any dog.
2
Will he run through the tape in under 3 hours?
1
I don't know if this was Ryan's perfectly apt way to make sure that compassion is officially stripped from Republican governance , once and for all -- or a last submission to a Trump hissy fit.
All he managed to do was to draw attention to the inability of the right to tolerate the slightest reminder that there is a moral and ethical component to lawmaking. Really, who knew there was a Jesuit chaplain, and that he made this simple prayer, until he was shoved out?
No offense to Father Conroy, but it's time to do away with House chaplains. We do not have a state religion, and we don't need a figure head there to pretend any more that God is on our side. And state sanctioned hypocrisy really smells.
Lets tell our Representatives to eliminate the position.
If they really want someone to do an invocation once a year -- there will be plenty of volunteers clamoring for face time in the Capitol.
9
Congressional priests and a Congressional Prayer Caucus?
Anyone else see the problem here? How about our elected legislators do religion on their own time, on their own dime? Time to remove religion entirely from government. If we're now adding battles between right-wind evangelicals and left-wing catholics to the regular right vs left war in Congress we're done, people.
11
Right now the Evangelicals are doing whatever they can to infuse the federal judiciary with people who see religion as an essential tool of government and management.
2
What did Ryan say at confessional?
The priest should play the recording.
J. K. Rowling said it best about Donald Trump. Now, if there was ever any doubt, we can say the same about Paul Ryan: "What a tiny, tiny, tiny little man!"
8
Obviously, the House leadership, who regularly call for "thoughts and prayers", didn't mean REAL thoughts and prayers. Father Conroy was giving "thoughts and prayers" a bad name. So much for authentic thinking and praying. Like so much in our political culture, anything deeper than a sound bite is suspect.
11
Our country was founded on separation of church and state.
There are scores of churches in Washington DC. Congress can seek comfort outside of government grounds in their own religion if, and only if, they choose. This is a private choice that shouldn't be discussed in campaigns or on the job or with public prayers in government buildings.
THAT'S freedom of religion.
9
The Founding Fathers were fully cognizant of the evils of religion, specifically the intrigue and power battle of the bloody Vatican Inc. over Europe since the fall of Rome. Jefferson and Madison intended separation of church and state to function also as freedom FROM religion.
2
Freedom of religion includes freedom from religion.
The 1953 legislation that inserted the words "under God" into the national loyalty oath recited daily by schoolchildren broke down separation of church and state in the US.
2
I am a very liberal Protestant/Buddhist and a long time admirer of the Catholic Church's social policy regarding the poor, from St.Francis to Dorothy Day to the Catholic martyrs in South America. I am outraged that a reasonable, well tempered payer before the House could result in the firing of a voice for justice.
15
If the chaplain had invoked Ayn Rand in his prayers, he would not have been fired.
11
The Republican's no longer want counsel from someone who's sworn to poverty and has actually read the New Testament. (That's the primary reason they have a chaplain; to remind Congressmen and women to serve their constituents in a fair and just way). Ryan and his ilk will have none of that. They clearly prefer a mansion owning megachurch prosperity preacher, where God's plan is for you to be rich, and where the poor and sick are never mentioned. Eases their conscience.
18
The position, at the House and Senate levels should be eliminated. May I suggest that the half million in the budget for these two positions be sent to Rosary Hill Home where Dominican nuns provide one-on-one palliative care to those suffering from terminal cancer, free of charge? You may read about them here: https://nyti.ms/2jHEKjy Or they could donate it to defray the cost of Archbishop John J. Myers’ renovations to his retirement home: https://nyti.ms/2jLN3Lp
7
No tax monies ought be funneled to any religion or cult. For that matter, none of these corporate religious enterprises ought be operating tax free in every city and state.
Why on earth would a man of faith want to spend his final years laboring in a vineyard whose grapes won't even make good vinegar?
9
I am not a fan of Paul Ryan as I once was. He is however correct in relieving the Chaplain. Dysfunctional as it is the congress is not the place for religious commentary much as the members need it.
Jim, Wilmette
It’s a bit ironic, I think, that Ryan appears to have fired the chaplain for asking that legislation benefit everyone fairly, when Republicans have been claiming all along that their tax plan does that. This action amounts to an admission that they have been lying. This, in addition to the obvious irony of a Ryan admonishing the chaplain to stay out of politics, when his party has been shamelessly playing the religion card as it suits them, ignoring the rightful, Constitutional separation of church and state.
9
Reminds me of the story of the clergyman who while hiking tripped and fell over the edge of a cliff. Clutching a tree branch that prevented his fall to certain death he cried out for help. He heard a booming voice from above call "this is almighty God." "Help" the clergyman called back. The voice replied "demonstrate your faith, and let go." After a long pause the clergyman called out "is anyone else up there?"
You wonder why this congress has a chaplain at all. Let's face it, this has been one of the most immoral collections of money-grubbing legislators in recent memory. No amount of holy water or communion will absolve this tawdry group of betrayal to their oaths of office. More than a few hail Mary's to atone for their sins, what they need is excommunication.
8
Isn't this favoring one religion over another? Where is separation of church and state? Eliminate the position.
3
I'm very pleased that the House purveyor of sacred mumbo-jumbo has been canned. Let's do the same in the Senate and not hire another one.
Firs thing Ryan's done that made me smile!
1
"One possibility is that Republicans who actually care about the identity of the House chaplain think this speaker needs to make the appointment because they’re going to lose big in November and the next one will be a Democrat."
As my Grandmother would say (in her ironic Yiddish accent): "God forbid that a Democrat should select the next chaplain, nu?"
3
This is a bone thrown to the Evangelicals. Say you want about Ryan's temperament, but this isn't about lines in a prayer 6 months ago. He's too smart to take such action on something that hasn't been a loud problem. But Evangelicals, the all-time hypocrites with their fawning support of a philandering and self-admitted assaulter of women, can help get out the vote in November.
3
The U.S. has been marching into the abyss ever since evangelicals and Catholics began in the 1970s their assault to takeover America and form a theocracy.
If Father Conroy had prayed for greater corporate profits and job creation, would he still be the House chaplain? I guess in Paul Ryan's church you have to stay with the Republican talking points even if you're speaking to God.
5
Steve wrote (below):
"Any chaplain that offers up a prayer for tax reform based on the failed principles of socialism either needs to re-apply for the job in Cuba or deserves to be fired. Time for change. "
Steve, I recommend that you reread the prayer that allegedly cost the Chaplain his job:
“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.”
Now, please explain to us how this prayer in any way reflects "the failed principles of socialism."
If you can't, then you're just as much of a knee-jerk reactionary as Paul Ryan and the rest of the Republicans in Congress.
7
FIRST AMENDMENT:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
CONSOLATION:
Father Conley can buy an AR-15 if he is so inclined as Congress would never obstruct his second amendment rights.
4
Father Conroy had apparently forgotten Jesus' response to his "trick" questioners "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's..."
Also forgotten, that some Caesars tho presumably preoccupied with Caesar-sized matters, recall perceived slights for way more than 6 months; others direct supernumeraries to record and recall them to Caesar periodically for reconsideration.
Still further, there are the Caesars who both recall and have slights recalled to them. My money's on the offended Caesar(s) here, being in the last group.
Paul Ryan is a poorly educated jock who believes that Ayn Rand represents the epitome of philosophy and that he personally understand economics. Both are demonstrably false. But, Ryan is remarkably thin-skinned and has shown that he cannot handle criticism from his constituents, from Trump or from Father Conroy. Perhaps after he retires from Congress, Ryan will seek the psychotherapy that he so desperately needs.
5
When the Speaker of the House is a Republican, GOP political correctness means even the chaplain has to toe the line when it comes to characterizing tax cuts as God's will.
3
Most likely, the chaplain make Mr. Ryan discover his true self, and his answer was firing the “pesty” Jesuit. It’s quite awful to confront one self with our reality; some react with humility, others execute the messenger.
1
The reason is transparently clear: Chaplin Conroy sees through Speaker Ryan and the GOP’s tax policy flimflam therefore he was fired. This thing called “conscience” can be pesky and annoying, better to quash it.
5
I am constantly amazed at how few job protections or checks and balances there are for Employees against Employers regarding Job Security including even the most basic right/protection of having or being provided a valid reason for for job termination. Additionally, Employees can be fired on the spot without notice and shows extraordinary contempt for the safety and wellbeing of a person who may be the sole breadwinner for a family and who has financial responsibilities that must be met otherwise risking anything from a mortgage, Car loan, credit card debt and not to mention, basic living and life expenses that most people must meet on a day to day basis.
None of this is helped by the fact that Health Care coverage is for most, linked to employment and losing a job means losing health Care Insurance coverage.
These and other American standards in regards to employment , hiring and firing are completely at odds with many other developed Western Democracies who provide much better, more secure and greater protections for Employees who in all reality are the majority, drive economic growth and are the backbone of any Countries ultimate success and prosperity.
America increasingly, in this and so many areas seems to have forgotten such a basic premise and understanding of what drives prosperity and which things make a Nation great...
...for Everyone.
I hope that when the Dems take over the House in November that they rehire the priest. He's just the sort of advocate for the average, non-rich man and woman that we need in Congress!
2
From a position of little regard for either party, it dies not require extra effort to add the chaplain, a sly boots, partisan in his own right.
Les obvious, though more gifted than others "leaners," rather appointed to function according to task than elected to represent, such as the FBI lovers and leakers, the priest was clearly taking sides in his "tax prayer" sides not evident in, say, prayers for those actually harmed by policies that have made our cities unsafe (chicago's killings) and uncharitable (los angeles's homeless)...embarrassments to democrats and those who view the commandments as more than options.
I am an atheist...but I also believe that there is a place for all believers or non believers. I also am of the position that there is no place in our Constitution that says we should have religion enter into our legislation. That being said, this chaplain, in saying “guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans” was not being political, but simply paraphrasing what all the GOP sycophants were trumpeting when they were pushing the Tax CUT Bill. And again, the GOP and Ryan are so blatantly hypocritical. They invite Evangelical perspectives into politics, yet when a more humble, compassionate voice emerges, it is considered a violation of the separation of Church and State.
Ultimately, tho I don't think chaplains or prayers are appropriate in any of our governmental activities (and have a real issue with the 'God Bless You and God Bless America' that seems the mike-drop to most speeches), Ryan's action is just another marker as to why the GOP cannot and should not control all three branches of our government.
So much for separation of church and state. But then again, the GOP's entire platform is based on Christianity.
Now that Ryan resigning and going home who’s he really working for? That may answer the question why? Why fire a Jesuit priest and create a controversy where there was none. Who benefits and has influence with this very calculating man. Ryan’s connection with the Koch sphere of influence is well known and having handed them the tax giveaway & other goodies they longed for what is his reward? Perhaps its simply that Ryan and evangelical Christians in the House couldn’t tolerate someone questioning their tax bill / worship of mammon / devotion to power approach to tax policy and Ryan wasn’t going to pay a political price for doing this. Perhaps like everything he does there’s a hidden reason that serves his paymasters interests. Nothing is what it seems and Ryan is especially good at hiding himself behind that constant smirk of his. Questions abound.
There shouldn't be a chaplain in Congress as it isn't a place of worship. The line separating church and state is crossed far too often e.g., "in God we trust", "one nation under God...", and a chaplain in Congress. Religion has no place in government when the government's job is to work for their constituents and not all constituents are theists. I say remove it all [the religious influences] and treat ALL Americans equitably.
1
Right wing political correctness, pure and simple. The chaplain didn't say the right things and he's gone, purely for political spite. Since Ryan is retiring he is now free to show his even nastier side.
1
"Can we blame trump?" Well, yes! Trump's an oligarch and a true constituent of the GOP in Congress, like the rest of them - the Kochs, Adelsons, Mercers, etc. - who are responsible for the ilk now running our country on their behalf. They are entitled to more money than God and nothing - not even God or the salvation of our planet - will prevent them from reaching such goals.
The Republicans sold their souls to the trump, so it is not surprising they fired a true person of Christian faith, likely to be replaced by an evangelical - another group that gave away their soul to the trump and memorialized it with a group selfie in the Oval Office surrounding their praiseworthy devil-in-chief and meanest person in Washington.
3
The political Mafia behavior is chilling, but this round points right to Big Kharma. No question who comes out looking better here, but the tinge of anti-Catholicism just reinforces the Donald's reign of Hate.
2
I heard the prayer on the radio and thought at the time it was socio-politically loaded. He wasn't calling on God to bless the Congress' deliberations and the American People but rather telling God [and the members of the House] what outcome he, the Chaplain, wanted. He should have been fired.
What offended Mr. Ryan is Rev Conroy's speech as a compassionate human being. The Reverend challenged the Republican's distorted view giving almost all the tax cuts to the top 1%. The Priest exposed this unkindness to fellow citizens just before the tax vote. Rev Conroy's holy message demanded a more earthly appeal, not a priest's deus ex machina solution. Although Ryan's firing is a nauseating response, the critique of the tax bill should not have been left to a religious leader's domain. The money lenders, i.e. corporate lobbyists, were not driven out during the bill's creation, but the doors were swung wide open for their favors. The Speaker has produced a double whammy: Denigration of religion, a risk when entering the public arena, and substantiating Congress's low approval by Americans.
2
The House of "Representatives" needs a referee and a special prosecutor, not a chaplain.
The cowardly Congressional Republicans who choose resignation over a resounding defeat at the polls are determined to wreak maximum damage before leaving. They have already crippled American health care, showered the unneedy with massive tax cuts, ramped up federal deficit spending to preposterous levels, and exploded the national debt.
Now, they're persecuting people who dare remind them of the commandments of their professed religions, and the founding principles of our nation.
1
Ryan is a Catholic him self and was criticized by local church for being against the poor and unfortunate. He would fire Pope, if he could for advocating the welfare of poor.
2
Paul Ryan just made some races, especially those special elections in PA where there is still substantial white blue collar Catholics another tilt to the Democrats. These are not Southern Evangelicals areas, but Catholic areas. Then he grossly miscalculated the fastest growing religion in areas like Atlanta is Catholic. It is close behind Southern Baptist. Why? The migration from the north and Midwest combined with the growing Hispanic population.
This was a big miscalculation on Paul Ryan’s part
“Freedom From Religion” should now be the way Washington operates. Less division. More productivity as decisions are based on facts, not mythology and superstition.
I would like a Quaker or a Unitarian no matter which political party he or she belonged to.
That's like having a chaplain at a public school. People should get their spiritual counseling at church. I seem to remember something in civics class about "separation of church and state."
1
It's more like having a chaplain in the Army. Congress has always opened with a prayer. Our money says, "In God We Trust."
Neither is an endorsement of a particular religion, just tradition.
Apparently, it's also a tradition for the chaplain to be male.
Isn't one of the basic tenets of religion to try to do the right thing, even in the face of adversity? They should fire him because he obviously failed to teach them that.
1
Maybe he discovered the first Amendment as he was cleaning out his office?
1
“You have the right to free speech, as long as you’re not dumb enough to try it” - The Clash, ‘Know your Rights ‘.
The purpose of hiring US Chaplains has always been to do the opposite of what a Religious Leader/Teacher is supposed to do - tell you when you violate your Deity(ies) rules or teach you the rules, and, if faith allows, debate them.
They have no place in a democratic institution, otherwise, we would have to hire scores of them.
If Congress must begin each day with a prayer, let’s rotate through the leaders of every religion with adherents in the US.
And let them speak profoundly of their beliefs. A Senator just might get to hear from half of them during a few 6-year terms.
A few questions - why has the House never had a non-Christian (all branches) chaplain? Why has the House never had a female chaplain - most of the nation’s religions allow them these days.
And why bother if the role of the chaplain is to deliver “Oh Generic God, if you can help these folks make right and proper decisions, I ask you do - whatever that is, for if I make a suggestion, I shall be unemployed”.
The explanation for this which sounds most possible is that the evangelical wing of the Republicans in the House want to install their own minister as Chaplain, and not have a Catholic priest in that position. To me, this is a overreach by the evangelicals.
In the first Congress, a rule was adopted that "two Chaplains of different denominations … shall interchange weekly." This rule has never been adhered to, with the exception being that both Congressional chaplains have always been Christian.
When James Madison (the architect of the First Amendment) opposed the hiring of chaplains in Congress, he emphasized that paying them from the national treasury was in violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. He also made the said that establishing the clergy in Congress was an offense "to members whose creeds and consciences forbid a participation in the majority." (Info from the Washington Times).
He was right then, and he is right now.
Separation of church and state is one of our strongest guiding principles. There should be no religious affiliations at all in our governance systems. "In God We Trust" should not be the American motto. "One nation under God" should be stricken from the Pledge. No reference to any religious concept should have any governmental presence, aside from the Establishment Clause itself. This is the only way to absolutely guarantee freedom of religion. We cannot have the government proselytizing to us in any form.
9
I don’t think tax dollars have any place paying for a chaplain for the House or Senate. If individual members wish to pay for such, that’s their business. The religious ones surely have their own priests/rabbis/guides.
Hearing people invoke God in non-religious venues (schools, sporting events) strikes me as awkward and, depending on the prayer, blasphemous.
I have had occasion to learn from people of faith, Christian and Jewish. Nonetheless, I don’t believe in God in the way that most Catholics and evangelical Christians would and resent that we still don’t understand the proper role of religion in the public sphere.
8
For those unfamiliar with Jesuits, the order is a distinct subset of the Catholic religious hierarchy dating back to 1540. As an order, they don't even report to a bishop. They are extremely well educated even for priests and education tends to be one of their primary goals. Due to both education and their missionary endeavors, Jesuits tend to fall on the liberal side of Catholicism. This situation helps explain Pope Francis' views as well as the Republican distaste for the new Pope. Liberal Catholics aren't exactly liberal but they tend to show more compassion than the church at large.
Seeing as Paul Ryan is also Catholic, presumably he has sought Patrick Conroy's advice on matters of difficulty or at the very least attended his masses while in Washington. Perhaps Ryan simply got tired of hearing how his actions go against church doctrine. In other words, Ryan doesn't want to be told he's a bad Catholic. The whole "damnation" thing will really put a damper on your day. Technically speaking, installing an Evangelical in Conroy's place could even constitute heresy. Good thing Catholics are supposed to be forgiving, right? Ryan will want a Jesuit on the opposite end of the confessional booth when that topic comes up.
Either way, I think the issue is personal for Ryan. He's venting some internal frustration.
13
Father James Martin, S.J. would be a good replacement.
2
For years, I have heard Ryan described as a man of principle and integrity. Then he is brought into the forefront as speaker of the house - and his reputation cannot hold up under the light of day.
18
Yawn. Didn’t even know they had a chaplain. Perhaps they could go without one and see how it goes.
7
So much for the separation of church and state. Would be interesting to to know what the founding fathers would think of this controversy.
5
The chaplain represents a fantasy god and Ryan represents a fantasy congress
9
I've always had a soft spot for Jesuits because, with their education and sharp minds, they drove the popes crazy.
Looks like something similar is going on here.
Wonder what kind of counseling he was giving as well? Feed the poor and heal the sick, maybe?
21
No way. “I intend to run through the tape, to finish the year,” I hope he won't lie about his time this time, unlike is 3 hour marathon time fib.
4
I'm not Catholic, but even I know Jesuit priests don't practice the Prosperity Gospel, the "religion" of the GOP. Caring for the poor and sick was what Jesus did. Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and all the other members in the GOP can't stand being reminded of their odious hypocrisy. Thus, the chaplain, who has actually read the Bible, had to go.
That's my explanation.
28
""...No way. “I intend to run through the tape, to finish the year,” said the man who loves everything about physical fitness, including metaphors."" And knocks off four packs of cigarettes a day! Go figure.
3
Some members were perhaps agitating for an Evangelical? Trump's base, after all.
4
Keep in mind that a good chunk of the Republican caucus comes from places where people ask, as a friend who moved to North Carolina was asked, if you are Catholic or Christian?
16
Nothing is scarier, more mystifying, or more offensive to an Ayn Rand devotee than an honest-to-goodness Christian.
16
Perhaps all that religious tax talk got the priest in hot water because Ryan and the rest of his gang started thinking about all the specious tax breaks Republicans have given to faux pulpit pundits and suspected that Saint Peter may be asking questions.
7
Conroy appears to have an admirable record. But when he was nominated, Pelosi initially challenged his appointment because the Oregon diocese had a bad record on sexual abuse. Some called this guilt by association and Pelosi eventually backed off. A Democrat playing politics with the House Chaplain. Please don’t mention that. We don’t criticize Democrats in this space.
2
Thanks, michjas, for supplying the always needed false equivalence.
By your account she raised questions because questions were present, then backed off.
The priest says Ryan took unilateral, unchecked, malevolent action.
Same thing, I suppose.
3
This is not an equivalence. It’s an analogy. Nobody said anything was identical, just similar. And pointing out differences does not disprove the analogy. To accomplish that you must address the similarities, which you fail to do.
This piece is about Ryan not Pelosi. Do try to keep up.
1
It's just as well the chaplain is leaving. Keep the position vacant. There's nothing coming out of Congress these days that deserves the pretense of any divine blessing.
It should be noted that Paul Ryan's true faith is based on the gospel of Saint Ayn Rand. We don't just need a blue wave in November - we're going to need an exorcism to remove all the mean-spiritedness that has come out of the House and the Senate since 2010.
Make America Kind Again.
25
After moving to these shores I was stunned to find out that everyone running for public office had to wear his/her religion like a shield of honor on their sleeves.
I was equally stunned that the two Houses of Congress opened their session with prayers by men of the cloth, employed and paid by the taxpayers - but only if they are of the right, the C. kind - in a country that has enshrined the separation between church and state in its Constitution.
In other advanced countries people most often do not even know the religion of their closest friends, nor would they so impolite to even ask them about such very private matters.
Nevertheless, the fact that this uniquely American custom of having chaplains will not be abolished anytime soon, Mr. Ryan acts more like an all-is-forgiven in advance, born-again-Evangelical instead of trying to learn just a bit of humility from the head of his church, Pope Francis.
I love the citation from Jean Anouilh's Becket or The Honour of God, but in this case "Something is rotten in the State of America" also applies.
16
I should have it memorized by now, but I have mentioned in Comments a number of times the number of words in the Constitution devoted to religion. They is but a mere handful, numbering in the low double-digits and none of them mention a chaplain, praying (before, during or after) any gathering congressional, and most certainly not a word regarding said sky pilot's particular flavor of scriptural worship. It matters not if this moral(?) leader be a Catholic, Lutheran, Luddite or Trilobite, he (or she) is but another example of too much attention being spent on matters of no national consequence.
No one has a direct line to the invisible guy in the sky, because that guy doesn't exist. And if a chaplain has ever made a wooden nickel's worth of difference in the content of legislation being morally tenable or not, the fact has been well concealed. They certainly, over the centuries, have had little influence over the personal morality of their "flock." If anything, the current generation has been particularly notable for the sowing of wild seeds, and that's only the ones that have come to light...if not to Jesus.
I'm sure Father Patrick is as nice a man as one could hope to meet. Too bad he has spent his talents laboring in vain these past seven years. He should go and bail out now, before he gets all the blame for swamp. Washington is a very mean crowd, indeed.
9
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" is the most neglected instruction to that presumptuous body in the mislabeled "Bill of Rights", which is really a list of stipulated limits and mandates to Congressional exercise of its delegated powers.
Okay, I volunteer for this job. I'll take a pay cut (50% of 172k is more than enough for an old Mainer), I promise to stay in Maine, and since I follow no religion, I promise not to pray thereby avoiding any possible offense to any of the hypocrites in DC.
Oops.
12
I’m surprised Paul Ryan has not been hit by lightning yet.
10
The notion that nature responds emotionally to any human behavior is the silliest conceit of humankind.
You have to love Gail Collins and the Jesuits.
Shades of Stendhal's "The Red and the Black"
for wonderful irony. Maybe Gail could lead a charge for changing all this talk of Red and Blue states and drop into the mix Red and Black states. The president could tweet that the U.S is involved in a religious war.
And the dumb, yes dumb, congressman who proposed a chaplain who was married with adult children could nominate someone like the president since he is married (again) and has adult children.
When we lose our senses of humor in perilous times then we will know we have reached bottom and the only way to go is up.
7
The God Paul Ryan believes in is in a higher tax bracket.
22
Who knew: it is not politically correct to pray for the poor? That not even a word should be lifted to God for their fair treatment. Among the martyrs of Christianity now stands a Jesuit priest, a Chaplin of the House, a priest who Ryan claimed with Trump-like slime that he failed to offer spiritual counseling, according to words reaching Ryan's ears. Uh?
Folk press on, searching for a political explanation for this new, self-imposed expedition into the wilderness, but perhaps it is easier to look toward another possibility: always on the cusp, Ryan simply succumbed to evil. Not the mistake kind or the unintentional kind. But the evangelical kind--complete with Satan directing his actions! Just maybe he was complicit in following the fallen angel, tumbling into a moral abyss. To the applause of the devils who had been tempting his soul with desires and sins. Having inflicted pain on the poor and denied the least of among us. Ryan was lead to slay a defender of the faith by firing him. He has forgotten righteous sacrifice. In the delusion of lost souls, they never witness their own fall.
3
Ironic that the chaplain’s comment regarding fairness would have passed unnoticed if Ryan had just let it slide.
16
Another article that I read suggests the problem was evangelicals who don't take other branches of Christianity seriously. Collins never mentioned that. Does anybody remember Trump telling a group of evangelicals that Hillary Clinton was an athiest (she is a longtime member of the Methodist church; evangelicals apparently can't tell the difference, at least in Trump's view).
18
As i read this article, as well as the one by Diaz and Stolberg, I kept asking myself, why exactly does Congress need a chaplain??? Americans keep forgetting there is a separation between church and state. If a congressman wants to seek religious counsel, he/she has every right to do so with whomever they want. The elimination of an official chaplain for Congress would also eliminate the rift between members who want evangelical vs. roman catholic leadership - not to mention any other religious affiliation.
26
And they said that Speaker Ryan had no spine. But we see that indeed he does. Of the exoskeleton kind. He could just be the first six foot one inch roach in history.
33
Thanks for this. It made me laugh out loud!
An interesting experiment: a House chaplain opens every session by reading the Beatitudes. How long would s/he last?
12
In days of yore, member of our legislative bodies were treated with meaningful respect. Then after time and revelation about how corrupt many of those members have become we can see the lack of respect those politicians have for differing points of view.
This didn’t begin with Trump, the babbling fool on Fox and Friends. It began when an upstart black man became president and upended the view of normal those white male Republicans had of the political landscape.
We thought Boehner was toxic.
14
At root in this ugly episode is the growinggrip of right wing politicians on the Evangelical movement. The more the politicians intrude the less we see concern for the poor.
14
There's a Pat Conroy spinning in his grave in South Carolina over the injustice done to the Padre of the Congress, Patrick Conway, by the Congress's Chief Pharisee, Speaker Paul Ryan.
Bigly stain on Paul Ryan's legacy as he's walking out the door. If Church and State are separate, as mandated by our Constitution's First Amendment, then why does the Congress pay the salary of a religious chaplain ($155,000 shekels or thereabouts) from American peoples' taxes - never mind his religion? Time for the Congress to "straighten up and fly right!" as the Greatest Generation sang 75 years ago in World War II. Rock on, Gail Collins ,"Yipes!" indeed.
10
The Republicans in government have no use for religion if it exposes their lack of morality. Trump lashed out at Pope Francis on multiple occasions simply because he obliquely admonished the Republicans to consider the poor. Now this. It seems that unless their religious heroes sin, molest and abuse the poor and weak, they are tossed aside and belittled. I wonder if the real sin is the fact that their efforts are supported by their base.
11
Petty Paul Ryan better get himself to the confessional, lest he explode and Petty Paul should be glad I'm not the Pope because he'd be doing penance for a long time.
6
My theory is that a Ryan fired Conroy because he wishes to eliminate the Congressional Chaplain and replace it with a new position, Congressional Psychiatrist. The first nominees would be the White House Physician, Ronny Jackson, who would be free to dispense sedatives and vodka, as needed.
16
Next they will be going after the congressional calligrapher who no doubt favors democratic-leaning script!
3
I can't see why a GOP run Congress needs any Chaplin. They have no regard for the teaching of any religion.
16
Any chaplain that offers up a prayer for tax reform based on the failed principles of socialism either needs to re-apply for the job in Cuba or deserves to be fired. Time for change.
1
Says the guy who doesn't read any economic news and who doesn't know the definition of "socialism."
2
I think that the explanation is that Ryan has been continually hearing that the Republicans won't have a prayer next November. He just decided to beat the voters to the punch.
10
I was surprised to hear that the chaplain was a Jesuit. Jesuits are guaranteed trouble--always pushing the gospel. Around the likes of Paul Ryan? You might as well put a tack on his chair.
17
I have long wondered how and why Ryan proclaims his Catholic faith as important to him. I'm Catholic, majored in philosophy at a Catholic college, and I cannot for the life of me see how the Speaker's views relate to any social justice teaching of the Church that I studied. Starting with Leo XIII in the late 19th century all the way to the present Pope, the Church's official teachings on social justice have all proclaimed he necessity of caring for the poor. What in God's name did Ryan study in college? Did he ever read even one of the papal encyclicals on this topic? Did he never heard a sermon on the topic? Has he even heard a word that the present Pope has said? All Ryan shows is a complete ignorance of and contempt for Catholic tradition.
26
I LOVE that Gail can put an amusing spin on almost any scandal. But as always, there is a very dark side to this firing...Anti-poor, Anti-fair and Anti-Catholic underpinnings in the Republican led Congress.
If these MEN leading the Republican Congress could find a collective heart, we'd all better off...they're becoming more obviously divisive by the day.
May some higher power save us!
5
Why not eliminate the position in both houses? Let them invite a clergy person in for the opening prayer or whatever and tend to their own spiritual issues privately outside the Capitol? Isn
t that what churches, and other places of worship and counsel are for? Enough! Save the money for once! Apply it to the deficit!
7
Can’t say I’m in favor of a a chaplain in the first place and the idea that it should be a married man is such an outdated and Republican concept. No women or LGBT people for them.
We can’t get rid of Pruitt for his unethical behavior but one teensy reference to taxes in a prayer and the chaplain is out.
16
I'm enjoying watching the Republican party implode especially when the issue is religion, their stock in trade. Whether this is about the chaplain standing up for the poor or whether it's about Catholics versus Evangelicals, the Republicans are once again revealing themselves to be as un-American as their minority-elected leader. If Mueller wasn't otherwise occupied, he could tell us what's really going on here. Instead, we'll just have to allow our imaginations to run wild. Heck, who needs Netflix?
8
Like Trump, like Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan is a mean, petty, spiteful man. That to me accounts for this episode. It will be so sweet when he breaks through that tape. May he never trouble our national politics again after that.
14
I started to research "Why fire the Chaplain?" but got to paragraph three "Now, Patrick Conroy, the Jesuit priest...." and stopped looking. 'Nuff said.
Father Conroy obviously tried to revisit all those years of CCD classes with Ryan, asking questions about Catholic social teaching and the Corporal Works of Mercy. Those are the kinds of things Jesuits think about and talk about. Those are NOT the kinds of things Ryan thinks about or talks about.
There is an old movie trope that has the star standing with an angel and a devil each shoulder, arguing with the star about what he should do next. Ryan apparently is happier with a devil on each shoulder.
So hire the next guy in, make sure he doesn't rock the boat. Make sure he is a he, not a she, and it'd be better if he is white, but we can give it up for diversity as long as he toes the line.
Isn't that how prophets have always worked? Going from town to town spreading the word people want to hear?
7
Finally, we have a possible solution to the issue that has been unresolved for more than two years. Let's hire those two Corinthians to replace Father Conroy. When one gets axed, we'll have a spare ready to step into the role. Without question, the president will endorse such a move, perhaps even taking credit for it.
8
There's no need for the US government to have a full-time chaplain. The position is a relic amongst relics. The population has been turning away from religious dogma and toward secular living for decades. Perhaps our tax dollars could be better used--oh, never mind. Trump's GOP has guaranteed that our tax dollars will be going to line the pockets of the Trumps and the Kochs. Our national God remains Mammon; no superstition required.
5
This would be a good time to automate the chaplaincy. Having a human being with humanity is redundancy we can’t afford. I propose replacing the Chaplain with a small golden idol that repeats short inspiring phrases, like:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
We shouldn’t politicize a public crisis,
This is not the time to address an emergency,
The poor need the spur of their poverty,
The rich need tax cuts,
Moderation, blah, blah, blah is no virtue,
12
So this will be Ryan's legacy? Forbid a Priest to pray for the poor? This is 21st century GOP philosophy, plain and simple.
14
Ryan was proving his loyalty to his long-time Goddess: Ayn Rand.
7
So much for the supposedly God-fearing Christians in the Republican party.
And as usual, we'll never get to the real truth of who-said-what-to-whom and when.
But there's no reason to doubt that Paul Ryan is incapable of doing anything -- just take a look at his tax bill.
2
Paul Ryan favors himself as a gentlemanly family man. But beneath that exterior is a mean spirited politico who is totally beholden to this country's ultra-rich. A truly compassionate conservative would have never done to Reverend Conway what Ryan did.
11
The separation of church and state — a concept that is supposed to be the backbone of American democratic government.
Herein lies the problem. Our government no longer has a backbone. It has been hijacked by super-wealthy companies and individuals, some of which/whom aren’t even American. So our ‘state’ has decided to separate the ‘church’ as represented by Father Conroy, who had no real role in government but preached kindness and inclusiveness. No surprise here.
I can understand having a pastor available to help these people with their spiritual needs. Lord knows many of them need it. But if it were my decision, the role of leading a prayer before the session opened would be abolished. Fast. Before one of those flashy fire-and-brimstone televangelists brown-noses his way into Trump’s orbit and turns our government into an even bigger circus. And you know it will happen.
3
If the chaplain was fired by Paul Ryan for saying:
“guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans.”
then this is an honest and clear (but unwitting) admission that Paul Ryan himself understands that the tax cut was unbalanced and unfair.
7
Who didn't know that the GOP's two-decade mantra about "Christian, moral, and family values", and "Character counts!" which they used, ironically and hypocritically, as political weapons, was bogus? Quite a 180 on the part of Republicans.
1
I think members of the House and their staff should find their own private counselors and pay for it themselves.
2
On the positive side, this frees up the chaplain to work with the rest of us on a group exorcism in November.
5
Yet another example of Ryan’s extraordinary hypocrisy, lack of empathy and totally malfunctioning moral compass. He and his mother fell on hard times after his father died when Ryan was still in his teens. They needed both federal and state government supplemental support to get through those tough time. And now, with a healthy government pension for life, he departs Congress after passing a tax bill that will lead to cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and, for good measure, fires a priest who had the audacity to pray for the needy. WOW!
10
Paul Ryan is Donald Trump before Donald Trump ran for office; Ryan just talks better (better words), dresses nicer, spends time with family, etc. He presents the opposite of Trump. But whether cowardice (a fair bit) or the fact that he is Trump, he has allowed Trump to march through the decency of the USA.
Ryan does not care for the poor, not once has proffered any bill for the help to the middle class or poor. His desire has been to rid the safety net (although he grew up in a family relying on feeding at the government trough (school bus company)), give the tax breaks to the wealthy, get rid of healthcare insurance for the poppulation. Above all he has been at this political game for self. His staying until January is about collecting his $84000/year for life pension and healthcare coverage which he wants to deny to the rest of the country.
Like Trump it is all about the monies for him, like Trump he is "I have got mine, forget the rst of you", and like Trump he does not consider what he does mean to the rest of the population.
He fired the Chaplin because he can, his religious beliefs are false front, and he is at heart a cruel individual, like Trump
4
I read somewhere that Republicans complained that Conroy wasn't "meeting their needs." Translation: he wasn't a toady for those supporting oligarchy.
4
There is no place for a kind hearted man in a Republican led congress. When you are trying to enact tough legislation you really don't need some softie reminding you of the fact many of your constituents are going to be hurt by your actions. The big donors don't need someone speaking for God interfering with their financial needs. The Republicans don't need God when they have Trump - who thinks he's God. No need to hire a replacement chaplain, it will just add to the deficit.
720
Perhaps Ryan and the Republicans merely need to find a Chaplain who will announce that henceforth all prayers to God shall be redirected to Trump; the Evangelicals would probably go wild with glee!
44
It is now crystal clear. The very great majority of the Republican House, Senate and Ryan are an evil party and person. Please, please vote, vote, vote in November 2018 to save our country.
59
Well said.
23
It's fairly easy to imagine that evangelical House Republicans don't like a far more religiously astute and more widely educated Jesuit priest hinting strongly that they are creating laws that are contrary to the wishes of God. On the other hand, it could be that the member who didn't like the guidance he was being given by Father Conroy was the altar boy himself, Paul Ryan.
531
Ironic that a Republican advised the chaplain to “stay out of politics” when the GOP seems intent on abolishing separation of church and state.
992
Definitely a good point!
20
Regarding why Ryan is not stepping down immediately in order to allow for new leadership in the House, why isn't there more reporting on the effect that would have on Ryan's congressional retirement plan. How many thousands of dollars a year in retirement benefits would he lose out on if he retires in May, 2018 instead of January, 2019? Is this motivation enough for righteous Ryan is stay as speaker? Just wondering.
1
There is a chaplain of the House of Representatives?
Am I the only one who finds that odd especially for a country that is supposed to separate the real from the silly?
Sorry, to separate the state from the church.
Does the chaplain get paid with tax payer money?
Perfect!
3
A consistent thread in the comments is the desire to simply remove the chaplain all together due to a separation of religion and the state. Chaplains do not push a specific religious agenda. A good chaplain is able to assist with the spiritual needs of every person. This includes atheists and it should be pointed out that there are atheist chaplains.
Many other institutions have chaplains (military, police, fire, airports, municipal governments, etc.) and chaplain or chaplain-like services are often part of employee assistance programs which exist in a great many workplaces.
Chaplains are provided to employees and clients, when the company/government agency/non-profit, believes that the health of the whole person including the spiritual domain is important to job performance or the experience of a client.
Of course, all this hides the real question: why does the House even need a chaplain? And the question I'd ask instead is this: what does it cost to have him there...and can we do without him?
And how rich that the Liberals are up in arms over the firing...most of them are atheists anyway--and look down on people of faith with utter disdain. But let's not let the opportunity (any opportunity) to criticize Republicans, go to waste.
1
No. We respect the Jesus of the gospels, the Beatitudes, and the lesson of the golden rule.
I would call haters, excluders, respecters of life only in the womb, promoters of ever more effective killing machines and fear, and the prosperity doctrine Christians. I'd call them hypocrites.
6
Paul Ryan must have thought, just in case there was someone left who held him in high regard, that he needed to take care of that before he left office.
3
Naivete alert!
Why does Congress have a paid chaplain on staff anyway? And why does Congress open each session with a prayer?
We got rid of mandatory school prayer years ago because it violated the First Amendment. Mandatory listening is distinguishable from mandatory recitation, but it is a distinction without a difference.
It is clear that this chaplain is being punished for something, which we will never know, and it is interesting that this may be one of Ryan's best remembered stupid acts among a significant collection. Nevertheless, given the opportunity, Congress should just abolish the job.
If a Congressperson needs religious counseling, they can go to their own religious leader or surely find one within a short cab (or limousine) ride of the Capitol.
How many businesses have a paid chaplain on staff to deal with employees' spiritual guidance? Why does Congress?
690
Better NO Chaplain than one who reinforces the theocratic will of politicians who would exploit.
17
Remember: "In God We Trust". Hardly non religious.
6
It’s a dog and pony show.
All of the political hypocrites do it.
15
The real issue is that the chaplain shouldn't have been there in the first place. I have actually walked out on government, political or community meetings when the meetings were "opened" with prayers. It's a turnoff and has no place in such meetings. There are places for people to worship and perpetuate their myths. I shouldn't have to be subjected to such nonsense at a meeting for such issues as transportation or taxes.
11
If members of Congress need spiritual counseling, there appears to be more than enough tax exempt churches within the immediate vicinity of Washington DC at which members of Congress can seek guidance from a faith of their own choosing. Eliminate the House Chaplain position and there will be no need to worry about the denomination of the person in the position. That would also eliminate the appearance of the government endorsing a particular religion.
7
Should not ALL legislation work for the common good of ALL citizens, not the privileged few?
Are we truly in an era where that concept is radical and unwelcome?
9
Office insanity is no reason to commit an insane act. Shame on Paul Ryan who just couldn't take the spiritual heat.
yesterdays article about this latest brouhhaha mentioned that Ryan is a "conservative" Catholic while Conroy is one of those pesky well-trained- in- logic Jesuits.
my father always was quoting the Jesuits , as the most challenging and erudite teachers he had. he'd also say, " never argue with a Jesuit".
well Ryan did, in word and deed. if we're now requiring our men and women of God to sugarcoat Congressional actions, to match our politics were in even worse shape than I thought.
Conroy was fired for reminding Congress to be fair to all in legislating taxes. Ryan in his pique at having a man of God remind him of what they promised the American people in terms of fairness, couldn't take the heat.
political ideology trumped spirituality in this sordid exercise. Message to Ryan: if you're thinking of running in 2020, were all going to remember that that Ryan Conroy to stop his type of prayer, which spoke truth to power.
9
oops! Ryan fired Conroy because he spoke truth to power.
1
I applaud Paul Ryan for doing what many of his cohorts refuse to do - separate the church from the state. That's what this was about - right?
Unfortunately, no, that isn’t what it’s about. They will bring in a person who will follow the script better now.
1
Not to mention that none other than founding father James Madison was vehemently opposed to the idea of a congressional chaplain in the first place, citing a thing called the US Constitution and its requirement of the separation of church and state. Of course, that is a document of convenience and, just like the Holy Bible, to be thumped only when useful in pushing one's ideology. Such rank hypocrites as these are hard to find, except of course in DC.
But, anyway, don't hold your breath waiting for the appointment of a rabbi or medicine man, to say nothing of a mullah. It's all strictly white bread now.
11
Congress doesn't want no stinkin' spiritual advisers who actually remind them of the teaching of the Jesus of the Gospels.
It interferes with the militant greedy voices in their heads that instruct them that brown people are human too, and that we are all equal. Or that we should love one another, and treat each other as we would like to be treated.
Moneychangers in the temple, check.
Whited sepulchers, check.
Good samaritans, uncheck.
And God forbid the Sermon on the Mount, let alone the seven deadly sins, pride and covetousness and murder.
18
That should have been, the voices in their heads they confuse with god instructing them that brown people are *not* human and those "uppity" women and children who don't want to be shot need to be suppressed in favor of their fear marketing funder and ally, the NRA. But the gist was clear, typos notwithstanding.
4
I don't think we need a "chaplain" for the Congress. It's not like any of these folks will be wounded on a battlefield. Many of them are already morally wounded anyway. But, be careful what the next step will be. You may be nostalgic for Father Conroy in the Congress, when they try to install the Evangelical minister from Liberty University. If separation of church and state protections are being eroded, you ain't seen nothin yet.
25
so abolish the office, then. This priest has been treated unfairly, and it has nothing to do with "nostalgia".
I guess if we are going to have a theocracy, sectarianism is an important issue.
Unless we have some member of the "prosperity gospel" crowd up there preaching how everyone should send them money, how will the ordinary people benefit from what is going on in Washington, by buying lottery tickets?
5
I always thought Ryan was a jerk and, if he fired the chaplain for suggesting fairness to the poor in taxation, that confirms my opinion. Still in all, I would question whether the House should even employ a chaplain given the constitutional separation of church and state.
627
To House Republicans: If Father Conway’s rather modest prayer makes you uncomfortable, perhaps you should ask yourself why?
22
Watch out receptionists, he’s coming for you next. There will be trippings in the hall, shovings in the cloak room. The poor are just a footnote. It’s a nasty town under Ryan and McConnell who opened Pandora’s Box and let Trump out.
10
The guy was blathring on about feeding the poor and something about the least of us
of course Paul Ryan had to let him go. He was upsetting all the Republicans with that crazy talk.
18
I've got to ask: Is there anyone to pray for the Senate?
4
The House doesn't need a chaplain.
They need an exorcist.
56
Since the job is now open, I am auditioning for chaplain with a sample prayer: “Our father, who art in the White House....” Do you think I’ll get the job?
10
With all the news of the last year and a half, it takes such effort not to wish for the Last Rites.
8
... Last Rites for the thoroughly corrupted, fatally moribund GOP?
Let's make it happen on Tuesday, November 6th 2018!
1
I seem to remember seeing Paul Ryan pointing and looking up to the heavens during the state of the union speech earlier this year. The nod was a none verbal shout out to the man upstairs after his name was invoked during DJT's address to Congress. At the time all I could think of is, you hypocrite.
Then, and I do not think I dreamt this but, I believe I saw Ryan make the sign of the cross during a recent house session. Again, the word hypocrisy comes to mind.
Congressman, you just got to stay out of religion.
11
How about a female chaplain to administer to Congress? They could use a new point of view.
8
Please tell me there isn’t actually a Congressional Prayer Caucus!
6
In the "den of iniquity" we probably NEED a chaplain... If he can even stand it.
1
They fired a chaplain for asking that a supposedly "Christian nation" to behave in a Christian manner. That is "Conservatism" in 2018.
12
I imagine Paul Ryan going through all the Bibles in his possession and tearing out the verses in Matthew where Jesus tells his followers that if you abandon any person who is poor, sick, hungry or incarcerated, you are abandoning Jesus himself.
17
Any Chaplain that says a prayer that has the word " taxes " in it, is a political operative and not a preacher. Good riddance.
1
Why does congress need a chaplain?
7
Only a craven puppet would call a plea for fairness "politics".
Then again, this is the same man who still uses running metaphors like "run through the tape" even after getting trounced in a lie shaving an hour off his marathon time.
Best to not use race metaphors, sir, of any kind anymore - considering your blind support of a racist president and your fiscal nadir when you voted to explode the deficit with tax cuts for the wealthy, points to no more races for Ryan.
9
Maybe he did something the #MeToo guerrilla fighters did not like? Maybe he brushed up against a female congresswoman and she felt he groped her and was thinking impure thoughts?
If his firing was his opinion on taxes I would feel a lot better than if it was a groping charge.
How did Trump get into this Gail?
Maybe Trump could pardon him?
1
Surely, all American citizens realized why Ryan did what he did as soon as the read the chaplain's comments about the so-called tax reform bill. Certainly, almost everybody knows that republicans exist to serve the needs of their small, rich donor class which doesn't like paying taxes for anything but defense to protect them in their gated communities. Nobody in the republican party I have ever met wants to assist anybody but themselves. Always follow the money. Ryan always has.
16
No chaplain. No prayer. Maybe a moment of reflection. Each in his own mind with his own spiritual thoughts. We do not pray in public schools and it is time not to pray in legislatures or any government activity. More often than not I have listened to these prayers with “in Jesus ‘s name we pray.” The diversity of belief is not respected with this kind of prayer, so let’s get those legislators taking a moment to reflect quietly.
23
Our constitution never deemed us a “Christian Nation”. Separation of church and state is boilerplate to our foundation as a free society. We are reeling towards a theocracy with a velocity that is horrifying. For those of us who are not members of this “Christian nation”, all the more frightening. Abolishing religion in politics and government would better move us towards “salvation”!
1
It is believed that the word "catholic" derives from the Greek "katholou", loosely meaning "whole" but implying inclusion. A good Catholic welcomes political refugees and helps the poor and unemployed. Catholics should believe that corporations were not created by God in the first seven days. Catholics understand that corporations never take the Sacraments, light Shabbos candles or pray at the Mosque. Please tell Justice Roberts. Ryan represents those "all front no back" Catholics who believe that the confessional can wipe it away like Windex and money is god. How to explain that tax bill at the pearly gates? How to explain that Corporations/people thing? Parish priests have been complicit for decades and now it finally hits home. Bishops ignore social justice at the most basic, katholo level and then wonder why the pews are empty. Is it time for a #MeTooJesuit movement?
11
God works in mysterious ways and means in congress.
6
The Devil made him do it.
5
How dare Reverend Conroy pray for all people? He needs to be hyper-partisan like the Paul Ryan because we all know that God only wants rich white men in heaven.
7
Read Gail's column last night before bed but had to return this morning to read the comments, just as enjoyable. Not disappointed.
4
"God, you are fired also." Quipped Paul Ryan after his tirade against all religion.
2
Gad, I hate religions but especially religious zealots and those that impose piety to serve their own personal, selfish agendas.
8
Father Conroy's own quote said his prayer was political and so, shockingly, I agree with Paul Ryan who correctly said chaplain must stay out of politics. The vital separation of church and state must be preserved even when we agree with the message.
Further, doesn't Conroy's quote, that chaplains in hospitals pray on health issues and so those in Congress pray on political ones, require us to rethink these intrinsically 'political appointments' to uphold the constitutional mandate separating church and state?
2
what's most amazing about this article is that Paul Ryan actually did something. Yes, it was hurtful, and stupiud and full of personal malice, but the empty suit, fact free Ryan and self described "Policy Wonk" actually did something as Speaker of the house and a representative. Is that alone not cause for celebration?
6
Perhaps Ryan's achievement could be celebrated in the same vein as applauding when a rather slow child finally learns to tie its own shoes.
2
If we blame the firing of the Catholic Chaplain on Trump, will he call it fake pews?
15
In the spirit of bucking convention (as this administration has practiced) I would like to offer that the priest's position in the House be given rotational assignment. One day a session is opened by a priest. The next day, a rabbi. The next day, a Methodist pastor. The next day, an Imam. The next day, an atheist. How about a leader of pastafanairiasm?
Who says spiritual guidance has to summoned from only a theist/believer in a god? Philosophers could be given a turn.
Do we want to be a nation of inclusive, or not?
17
It seems pretty clear the new chaplain will be a white male evangelical, the demographic that most passionately supports Trump. Once that happens, we will all be asking, "What does Trump have on Ryan?" once again.
4
I will bet dollars to donuts that Father Conroy, who seems quite reasonable and Christian, will be quickly replaced by the whitest, least circumspect, most loud-mouthed, misogynist, racist, anti-abortion, anti-birth-control, Creationist, pro-rich and corrupt Evangelical with the largest number of children and the most docile wife that money can buy. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that he is waiting in the wings as we speak.
64
How about Reverend Wright? The GOP couldn't have a problem with him, could they?
2
Does the sermon make you feel guilty Paul? Good.
14
Our government is a secular institution. A priest, or any religious speaker, on the payroll seems unconstitutional.
11
This is pure silliness. Why does Congress need a chaplain of any faith? It desperately needs a warden.
21
Because a healthy work environment attends to the whole person including spirituality.
Sounds like we need a good ole exorcism in the halls of Congress.
9
It's 2018. Who addresses a priest as "Padre"? Did he at least have the decency to do a John Wayne impression?
17
Great to know that my tax dollars pay for this religion nonsense.
9
Your tax dollars are also paying for chaplains in fire departments, police forces, the military, public hospitals, and various community based interventions including hospice. Are these okay? Would it be okay to have an atheist chaplain (which do exist)?
3
I have absolutely no religious beliefs, and am all but certain that there is no god, but I have to take exception to your mention of the military chaplains.
While everyone else who works in the jobs you listed can generally go home at night or find a place to practice their religion, that is not true in the military. Like it or not, whether it makes sense or not, soldiers have religious needs, and the military is obligated to provide some support for them, including chapels and chaplains.
1
First they came for the Chaplain....
20
Father Conroy was probably fired to make way for a new chaplain who is pro-tax cuts for billionaires, anti-immigration, pro-Mexican border wall, anti-Obamacare, pro-Russian, anti-environment, anti-public schools, pro-coal, pro-Jerusalem-as-capital-of-Israel, pro-GOP gerrymandering, anti-Special Counsel, pro-trade war, pro-fetus but anti-children's social programs and pro-white supremacist.
Should be a pretty easy search. Throw a rock any Sunday morning in most of Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Virginia, Texas (except maybe Austin), Arkansas or South Carolina and you're bound to hit an evangelical preacher who'll do the trick.
31
You won't convince me that it was the so-called fundamentalist "Christians" that couldn't stand the idea of a Catholic Chaplain. Despicable.
4
Getting religion sure hasn't helped our Congress find their souls or their consciences. Perhaps they need a shaman or better yet a wrestling referee though I pity the person who would try to bring any civility to that body.
11
I suspect that Father Conroy's crime was being well educated as are all Jesuits!
19
My first reaction was what did someone tell him in confession. Followed by wondering if the next chaplain will be Russian Orthodox. Sign of the times.
14
The halls of congress would do better with a resident philosopher, preferably one who is either agnostic or atheist. We have suffered enough wars, social home-grown turmoil and political division with the past lineage of congressional dogmatists.
Restore enlightenment and Reason to congress...bring back the founders' dream.
Alternatively, consider a good shrink.
8
May I suggest hiring a rabbi next time?
5
If you don't like the sermon Ryan, take a knee.
9
Title should have been "OMG! They Canned the Chaplain."
2
What Congress needs is an exorcist not a priest.
5
Even God is uneasy...
2
The best thing Paul Ryan could do with his large pension is to become a chaplain himself after he retires as Speaker of the House. Gaining compassion for those less fortunate than he would do him a world of good.
6
Preach in a snake pit, expect to get bit.
2
Ryan is a cad.
7
Ryan is retiring at the end of the year to boost his taxpayers' pension pay. Clearly his self-serving motive, not public service.
8
There should be an article or easy-to-access website that will give us the pension benefits of all these politicians who resign (or get beaten). It would be an eye-opener for their constituents.
Just as there should be a ready index of the financial holdings of these politicians. Find out who has large investments in mutual funds that invest in Asia, and then track what kind of votes they take on issues touching on the Pacific. Eric Cantor, for one, comes to mind, but many of them have conflicts of interest.
2
We should not be surprised that Mr. Ryan is concerned with himself and his friends, not with common human decency. He has already made himself abundantly clear; no concern for the poor, the immigrant, or children. Father Conway spoke only what Christians are exhorted to do, of all places, the Bible. The passage unequivocally speaks of "The judgement of the nations", Matthew 25:31-46. Perhaps Mr. Ryan spends his time on Sundays on the golf course with his real Master, rather than living what he hears in church.
7
Mr Ryan's lack of leadership skills is on display again. Sending a staff member to deliver the dismissal notice shows lack of a backbone. While a commanding officer in the army, on occasion I had to fire a few of my men from their positions. I always did it in private and in person. Difficult to do but I tried to dismiss with a degree of compassion.
21
I am dismayed that we still have such a position in what should be an entirely secular government institution of what is defined as a secular nation.
21
A chaplain does not push her or his belief system. A chaplain is placed in work environments that have a desire to attend to the health of the whole person, client or employee. “Whole person,” includes spirituality. Since there are atheist chaplains, it does not require a belief in god, just the acknowledgement that being human includes a spiritual dimension.
1
I suspect Father Conroy is far too intelligent and religious for Ryan's tastes and he was appointed during the Obama Era. Three strikes.
A bit of Internet searching tells me that the House has had a chaplain when there only the House, i.e., during the Articles of Confederation, and one of the first orders of business for the new Senate in 1789 was to appoint a chaplain.
It's interesting to note that the Senate has been much more liberal or ecumenical in choosing chaplains than the House.
5
The house should not replace the Chaplin they should leave the position empty as a reminder to all of us that there is no ethics, morality or faith in this group. They should leave it empty until the new congress is sworn in January.
31
It is certainly possible that the Freedom Caucus was unhappy with a Jesuit priest praying for them.They may have asked Mr.Ryan to do them a favor before he left and open the chaplain's position so they could choose a religious leader with whom they were more comfortable.
11
Ryan tried to fire his conscience. But as Dr. Freud and Ryan’s priest confessor would no doubt tell him, it isn’t going to work.
19
I am finding life under Republican rule to be exhausting. I'm so sad that the GOP has been successful with its decades of Us. v. them, scorched-earth tactics, abusing the sacred to implement the profane because, as one who has seen through it from the beginning, I don't understand why any American wants this to continue, why such corrupt, toxic politics appeal to so many Americans, and why it is like pulling teeth to change the majority when the GOP is overtly corrupt and no longer even bothers to hide its shedding of even pretending to care about "the spirit of" anything. I'm exhausted from their vicious warfare and their policies of looking out for 1% of the population while warring against the most noble, the poor, teachers, etc.
48
Father Connolly prays for fairness for all; Ryan preys on the lower income Americans. Both have flocks. Connolly is like the Biblical "good shepherd"; Ryan is the wolf in sheep's clothing whose sheep-like flock follow him down the garden path.
22
We embrace this notion in the US that religion is good. In order to do so, we must pretend that Islam is not an actual religion, entitled to first and second amendment protection. More importantly, however, we have to pretend that those who profess to be christians are all capable of peacefully co-existing in the verdant glow of the first and second amendments (Northern Ireland not withstanding). The truth of the matter is that we are ruled by a wasp culture that rejects the teaching of Christ, replaced by a teaching of greed. The dominant religion in the US rejects the notion of redemption through good works and embraces the notion of redemption through acceptance of Christ as one's personal savior. Presuming one "believes", one's financial success equates with righteousness. those who embrace the teachings of Christ are at odds with this concept and are, of course, not welcome in the GOP or the GOP controlled House. No real surprise here.
21
Excellent comment. Thank you for expressing what I have had difficulty articulating.
4
Nothing like a good dose of old-fashioned USA anti-Catholic prejudices being expressed! And silence from Catholic Bishops, the same who complain about religious discrimination by government? To quote that famous Russian comedian, "What a country!"
16
Perhaps the Republicans can find someone at Fox news who can be ordained as a Christian minister and then, poof, the best of both worlds. And when sworn in as the new chaplain, this hand picked successor can issue his first prayer chastising the priest for issuing fake prayers. Trump will then tweet "Now that is what America needs. A unifier." And Ryan will have to remember to throw a few extra coins in the collection basket tomorrow. After all, every Catholic knows that is what defines a "good Catholic". What you do Monday through Friday has no impact on the designation.
5
If they wanted Rev. Conroy gone, should've just put him up for HHS secretary - and washed their hands of things, once a no-knock raid on the House's wine inventory showed shortfalls...
3
Ryan thinks the War on Poverty means attacking the poor. Fr. Conroy had the temerity to offer the mildest words for the economically downtrodden, which placed him on the wrong side.
15