Speaker Paul Ryan and House Chaplain Hope to Move Forward After Controversy

Abigail Robertson
05-08-2018

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WASHINGTON – Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Chaplain Patrick Conroy are trying to move forward after last month's controversy in which Ryan urged the chaplain to resign and then reversed that decision after a public backlash.

"It is my job as speaker to do what is best for this body, and I know that this body is not well served by a protracted fight over such an important position," Ryan said.

Ryan told reporters he met Father Conroy for coffee Tuesday morning, and the two discussed how to improve the services going forward. When Ryan was asked if he thought they could put the controversy behind them, he responded "absolutely."

"We're going to keep talking," explained Ryan. "I think we can ultimately make improvements so that everyone has access to the pastoral services they're looking for."

"I feel good about where things are," he added.

As chaplain, Conroy opens the House each day with a prayer and provides counseling services to lawmakers and aides. Conroy is a Roman Catholic priest who has served as House chaplain since 2011.

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About The Author

Abigail
Robertson

Abigail Robertson serves as the White House Correspondent for CBN News, where she has worked since 2015. As a reporter, Abigail covers stories from a Christian perspective on American politics and the news of the day. Before her role at the White House, Abigail covered Capitol Hill, where she interviewed notable lawmakers such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. During her time on the Hill, Abigail loved highlighting how God is moving in the House and Senate by covering different ministries on Capitol Hill and sharing lawmakers’ testimonies and
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