Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a practising Catholic, was execrated by Catholics across the political spectrum this week for dismissing the House chaplain, Fr Patrick Conroy SJ.
According to Fr Conroy, a staffer from the Speaker’s office approached him in November and said the Jesuit was “getting too political” with his prayers on the House floor. Shortly thereafter, Ryan himself allegedly told him: “Padre, you just got to stay out of politics.” The Speaker, meanwhile, denies that politics played any part in his asking Conroy to resign. He told House Republicans that he had received complaints about the former chaplain’s pastoral care.
But many have detected latent progressive sympathies in Fr Conroy’s prayers. When a deal between Democrats and Republicans on an amnesty for illegal immigrants collapsed in February, he prayed that “those who possess power here in Washington be mindful of those whom they represent who possess little or no power.” Fr Conroy evidently believes illegal immigrants are entitled to congressional representation – a right reserved for American citizens and legal residents.
Of course, Fr Conroy is far from a raving partisan. But even his supporters acknowledge his bias. As the Washington Post’s Dana Milbank wrote: “He was warned. He was given an explanation. Nevertheless, he persisted.” It may well have been difficult for Congressional Republicans to consult him for spiritual direction when he appeared to favour the opposition. These may be the complaints about pastoral care to which Ryan alluded.
Fr Conroy may have been a voice for the poor and disempowered, as his defenders say. But his principal duty is to serve as a minister and confidant to individual congressmen. Harsh though it sounds, the Speaker is not obliged to retain him if he believes the House chaplain fails in that duty.
Having been unable to sell in churches for well over a year due to the pandemic, we are now inviting readers to support the Herald by investing in our future. We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values.
Please join us on our 130 year mission by supporting us. We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching. For more information from our chairman on contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund, click here
Make a Donation
Donors giving £500 or more will automatically become sponsor patrons of the Herald. This includes two complimentary print/digital gift subscriptions, invitations to Patron events, pilgrimages and dinners, and 6 gift subscriptions sent to priests, seminaries, Catholic schools, religious care homes and prison and university chaplaincies. Click here for more information on becoming a Patron Sponsor. Click here for more information about contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund