Ryan Allows House Chaplain to Stay After Priest Rescinds Resignation
- Jesuit priest says Ryan staffer complained of tax day prayer
- Reversal renews discussion of controversy Ryan sought to quell
Rev. Patrick Conroy
Photographer: J. Scott Applewhite/APThis article is for subscribers only.
The U.S. House chaplain who Speaker Paul Ryan tried to dismiss rescinded his resignation Thursday, and the lame-duck speaker said he’ll let the chaplain stay, seeking to head off controversy just months before a difficult midterm election for Republicans.
Catholic priest Patrick Conroy defended his seven-year tenure as chaplain in a to Ryan, saying he wants to remain at least through his current two-year term unless he is “terminated” or not re-elected by House members. The letter to Ryan followed Conroy’s April 15 resignation letter that he said he felt pressured to offer.