Time To Go

In an unexpectant move on Thursday the chaplain of the House of Representatives, Patrick Conroy, submitted his resignation.

The problem was he didn’t want to leave and was asked to quit by Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan.

From The Hill

House Chaplain Patrick Conroy’s sudden resignation has sparked a furor on Capitol Hill, with sources in both parties saying he was pushed out by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

Conroy’s own resignation announcement stated that it was done at Ryan’s request.

“As you have requested, I hereby offer my resignation as the 60th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives,” the April 15 letter to Ryan, obtained by The Hill, states.
Through his office, Conroy, who has served as chaplain since 2011, declined to comment on Thursday. His resignation is effective May 24.

Four different sources — two from each party — say Conroy was told that he must retire or that he would be dismissed.

What in the world could lead to a Jesuit Preist who has been a House Chaplain since 2011 to be asked to resign or be fired?

Well, it seems it might have been a prayer.While no one is sure specifically yet rumor on Capito Hill is it might have been a prayer from November of last year.

Once again from The Hill

A Democratic lawmaker said that the Speaker took issue with a prayer on the House floor that could have been perceived as being critical of the GOP tax-cut bill.

On Nov. 6 — the first day of the markup on the GOP’s tax bill — Conroy in a prayer urged lawmakers to ensure the legislation did not exacerbate the nation’s gaping class disparities.

“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,” Conroy said at the time. “May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans.”

A senior GOP aide said Conroy’s exit “was not because of any particular prayer.”

Paul Ryan is a Catholic as am I and I can’t imagine what in the world could have happened to make this necessary.

Only the Lord knows.