Fr Patrick Conroy The apparent forced resignation of the Catholic chaplain who tends to the spiritual needs of the US House of Representatives has drawn criticism against the Speaker of the House.
Earlier in April, news trickled out that Fr Patrick Conroy[pictured] was set to retire in May, but various news outlets in late April began reporting that he was “ousted” and forced to resign by House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin.
A supposedly leaked letter penned by the chaplain to Mr Ryan saying: “As you have requested, I hereby offer my resignation as the 60th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives.”
In an interview published by the New York Times, he said he was asked to resign but didn’t know why.
Last year he told Catholic media that he had opinions about politics, like most people, but knew his job was focused on his role helping members of Congress, without paying attention to political stripes.
“I can think anything I want,” he said. “But I can’t say it. Some people say, ‘You’re there, why don’t you say prophetic things?’ If I did, a week from now, there would be a different person here and nothing would have changed.”
Some speculate that the following prayer is what led to his ouster.
“May all members be mindful that the institutions and structures of our great nation guarantee the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle.
“May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans,” he prayed as lawmakers consider a new tax bill in November.