Chaplain of the United States Senate

Last updated
Chaplain of United States Senate
Seal of the United States Senate.svg
Seal of the United States Senate
Rear Admiral (lower half) Barry C. Black, USN.jpg
Incumbent
Barry C. Black
since July 7, 2003
United States Senate
Type Chaplain
AppointerElected by the Senate
FormationApril 25, 1789
First holder Samuel Provoost
Website Office of the Senate Chaplain, U.S. Senate

The chaplain of the United States Senate opens each session of the United States Senate with a prayer, and provides and coordinates religious programs and pastoral care support for senators, their staffs, and their families. The chaplain is appointed by a majority vote of the members of the Senate on a resolution nominating an individual for the position. The three most recent nominations have been submitted based on a bipartisan search committee although that procedure is not required.

Contents

Chaplains are elected as individuals and not as representatives of any religious community, body, or organization. As of 2017, all Senate chaplains have belonged to various denominations of Christianity, though there are no restrictions against members of any religion or faith group. Guest chaplains, recommended by senators to deliver the session's opening prayer in place of the Senate chaplain, have represented "all the world's major religious faiths."

The current chaplain is Barry C. Black, a retired Navy Rear Admiral and former Chief of Navy Chaplains. He is the first Seventh-day Adventist and the first African-American to hold the position.

Duties

The chaplain of the United States Senate is chosen to "perform ceremonial, symbolic, and pastoral duties." [1] These responsibilities include opening Senate sessions with a prayer or coordinating the delivery of the prayer by guest chaplains recommended by members of the Senate. [2] [3] [4] The chaplain's prayer is referred to as "one of the Senate's most enduring traditions" in the official Senate pamphlet "Traditions of the U.S. Senate." [5]

The Senate chaplain is also responsible for "hosting" guest chaplains on the day they deliver prayers. [6] According to the U.S. Senate website, these guest chaplains have represented "many of the world's major religious faiths," [7] and their participation is a sign that the Senate is sensitive to the "increasing religious diversity of the nation." [5]

According to Robert C. Byrd in his book The Senate: 1789-1989, "The Duties that chaplains perform...are not all written down, but they are numerous and have evolved over the centuries." [8] His description continues:

"The Chaplain visits senators when they go to the hospital, represents the Senate in appearances before church groups across the nation, and is host to visiting religious figures who come to the Capitol. On occasion, chaplains of the Senate have led groups of saffron-robed Tibetan monks on tours of the building." [8]

Stained glass window of George Washington in prayer, Capitol Prayer Room Capitol Prayer Room stained glass window.jpg
Stained glass window of George Washington in prayer, Capitol Prayer Room

The chaplain also provides pastoral care for the senators, their staffs, and their families, and provides or oversees religious programs such as Bible study, reflection groups, and the weekly Senate Prayer Breakfast. [2] The chaplain also often presides over religious ceremonies such as funerals and memorial services for current or past members and participates, offering delivering the invocation or benediction, at many official U.S. ceremonies, including White House events. [9] For example, Chaplain Barry Black delivered the keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast held February 2, 2017 before President Trump [10] and previously at the "inaugural prayer breakfast" and the benediction at the "inaugural luncheon" for President Barack Obama. [11] In a January 2011 post on "On Watch in Washington," the chaplain of the Senate as well as the chaplain of the United States House of Representatives were included as part of "Obama's Spiritual Cabinet." [9]

Along with the House chaplain, the Senate chaplain is responsible for overseeing the Capitol Prayer Room, located near the Capitol Rotunda. [8] Dedicated in 1955, there are no worship services held in the room, nor is it normally open to the public. [8] Instead, as described by Sam Rayburn during the room's dedication, it is a place for members "who want to be alone with their God." [8]

The Senate chaplain has a staff that includes a Chief-of-Staff, Director of Communications, and Executive Assistant, [12] [13] and works with a volunteer liaison in each Senate office. [2] While the annual salary for the first Senate chaplains was $500, [14] the salary is now set as a Level IV position in the Executive Schedule, which is $155,500.00 in 2011. [1] The total annual budget for the office, including salaries and expenses, is $415,000 as of 2011. [15] [16]

Guest chaplains have been selected to deliver occasional prayers to open Senate sessions "for many decades." [1] In 1948 Wilmina Rowland Smith became the first female guest chaplain to deliver the opening prayer, [1] [17] in 1992 Warith Deen Mohammed was the first Muslim, [18] [19] in 2007 Rajan Zed was the first Hindu, [4] and in 2014 Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama was the first Buddhist. [20] Senators are limited regarding the number of recommendations they can make regarding guest chaplains (in the House of Representatives, members are limited to one recommendation per Congress), [21] and although there was originally no limit to the number of times per month a guest chaplain could deliver the prayer in the place of the Senate chaplain, that number is now limited to two. [8] [22]

Opening prayer

Imam Yusuf Saleem delivers opening prayer as Guest Chaplain, October 24, 2001 Yusuf Saleem Senate Guest Chaplain.jpg
Imam Yusuf Saleem delivers opening prayer as Guest Chaplain, October 24, 2001
Rabbi Levi Shemtov delivers opening prayer as Guest Chaplain, September 17, 1998 Levi Shemtov Senate Guest Chaplain.jpg
Rabbi Levi Shemtov delivers opening prayer as Guest Chaplain, September 17, 1998

The inclusion of a prayer before the opening of each session of both the House and the Senate, traces its origins back to the days of the Continental Congress, and the official recommendation of Benjamin Franklin, June 28, 1787:

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel . . .

I therefore beg leave to move— that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service.” [23]

History

The Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, first chaplain of the United States Senate Samuel Provoost-Bishop Episcopal Church USA.jpg
The Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, first chaplain of the United States Senate

Shortly after the Senate first convened in April 1789 in New York City, one of its "first orders of business" was to convene a committee to recommend a chaplain, selecting the Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, Episcopal Bishop of New York. [7] [24] When the Senate moved to Philadelphia the next year, the Right Reverend William White, that city's Episcopal bishop was selected. [24] In 1800, when the Senate relocated to Washington, D.C., clergymen from various Christian denominations ("mainline Protestant denominations--usually Episcopalians or Presbyterians") continued to be selected, delivering prayers and presiding at funerals and memorial services. [24]

The Rev. Jacob Duche leads the first prayer before the Continental Congress, Philadelphia, September 7, 1774 Continental Congress prayer.jpg
The Rev. Jacob Duche leads the first prayer before the Continental Congress, Philadelphia, September 7, 1774

During this early period, chaplains "typically served" for less than a year while concurrently serving in non-congressional positions. [24] Also, early Senate and House chaplains, although elected separately by their respected chambers, shared Congressional responsibilities by alternating service in the House and Senate on a weekly basis, also conducting Sunday worship for the Washington, D.C. community in the House Chamber on an alternating basis. [25] Clergymen have served in the official position of Senate Chaplain for all years since the office was created except for the brief period of 1857-1859. [6] In 1914, the Senate began adding the chaplain's prayer to the Congressional Record. [24]

In 1970 New Jersey Senator Harrison A. Williams "reminded his colleagues of James Madison's strong objection when the post was created in 1793", and "noted the modern fulfillment of another of Madison's warnings, that there would inevitably be discrimination in the appointment of such a chaplain against the (then) smaller denominations such as Catholics and Jews." [26] Williams pointed out "that although Catholics have for some time comprised the largest single religious affiliation in both the Senate and the population as a whole, there has been only one Roman Catholic Senate chaplain since 1793, and not a single rabbi." He noted "Only eight denominations have been represented in the office." [26]

In light of this, Williams put forward Senate Resolution 90 which "resulted in the Senate's decision to appoint a new chaplain annually, rather than let the incumbent serve for life." [26] The appointment would also "rotate among the nation's three major religious groups." [26] When asked by reporters about the question of Constitutionality raised by his citing Madison he replied "If this were tested, I would say that it could go either way. It could be declared unconstitutional. Any taxpayer could question this, but no one ever has." [26]

He held that in places where people were isolated by acts of government, such as people in the armed services, hospitals or prisons that chaplains serving them would be Constitutional, "But, I don't know anybody less isolated than members of Congress." [26] In following eras the courts would rule on the constitutionality of the chaplaincy.

The chaplain of the United States Senate became a full-time position in the middle of the 20th century. [24]

According to a Senate Historical Office review of the records concerning guest chaplains, it was in 1965 that James Kirkland became the first African-American to open the Senate with prayer. In 1971 Wilmina Rowland became the first woman to do so. Wallace Mohammed was the first Muslim to do so in 1992, and Rajan Zed was the first Hindu to say the opening prayer for the Senate in 2007.[ citation needed ] Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama became the first Buddhist to lead the Senate in prayer, and as of 2014 was the highest religious official to do so. [27]

Selection

Unlike the chaplain of the United States House of Representatives, who must be elected to a two-year term at "the beginning of each Congress," the Senate chaplain (like other Senate officers) does not have to be reelected. [1] Both the House and Senate chaplains are elected as individuals, "not as representatives of any religious body or denominational entity." [1]

When a vacancy occurs, the Senate chooses a new chaplain through a vote on the adoption of a resolution. [1] According to a 2011 Congressional Research Service congressional report, "The three most recent Senate candidates for chaplain have been nominated by a bipartisan search committee that examined possible applicants. This method has not always been Senate practice and may differ from any future nomination." [1] Ultimately, it is the "leadership" of the Senate that can decide on what names can be put forth as nominations. [14]

The report also notes that "The post of chaplain to the Senate has generally not been subject to party considerations." [1]

Constitutionality

The question of the constitutionality of the position of the Senate chaplain (as well as that of the House chaplain, and at times, that of military chaplains as well), has been a subject of study and debate over the centuries. [18] Opponents have argued that it violates the separation of church-and-state and proponents have argued, among other factors, that the same early legislators who wrote the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights, from which the position of "non-establishment" and church and state separation is derived, were the same ones who approved and appointed the chaplains. [18]

President James Madison was an example of a leader who ultimately came to think that the positions of Senate and House chaplains could not be constitutionally supported, although whether he always held this view (and to what extent he believed it at various times during his life) is a subject of debate. [18] However it is clear from his "Detached Memoranda" writings during his retirement that he had come to believe the positions could not be justified:

Is the appointment of Chaplains to the two Houses of Congress consistent with the Constitution, and with the pure principle of religious freedom?

In strictness the answer on both points must be in the negative. The Constitution of the U.S. forbids everything like an establishment of a national religion. The law appointing Chaplains establishes a religious worship for the national representatives, to be performed by Ministers of religion, elected by a majority of them; and these are to be paid out of the national taxes. Does not this involve the principle of a national establishment, applicable to a provision for a religious worship for the Constituent as well as of the representative Body, approved by the majority, and conducted by Ministers of religion paid by the entire nation.

The establishment of the chaplainship to Congress is a palpable violation of equal rights, as well as of Constitutional principles: The tenets of the chaplains elected [by the majority] shut the door of worship agst the members whose creeds & consciences forbid a participation in that of the majority. To say nothing of other sects, this is the case with that of Roman Catholics & Quakers who have always had members in one or both of the Legislative branches. Could a Catholic clergyman ever hope to be appointed a Chaplain? To say that his religious principles are obnoxious or that his sect is small, is to lift the evil at once and exhibit in its naked deformity the doctrine that religious truth is to be tested by numbers, or that the major sects have a right to govern the minor. [18]

The constitutionality question has been examined in a number of court cases. [1] According to "House and Senate Chaplains: An Overview," an official 2011 CRS report created by the Congressional Research Service for "Members and Committees of Congress":

The constitutionality of legislative chaplains was upheld in 1983 by the Supreme Court ( Marsh v. Chambers , 463 U.S. 783, related to chaplains in the Nebraska Legislature) on the grounds of precedent and tradition. The Court cited the practice going back to the Continental Congress in 1774 and noted that the custom "is deeply embedded in the history and tradition of this country" from colonial times and the founding of the republic. Further, the Court held that the use of prayer "has become part of the fabric of our society," coexisting with "the principles of disestablishment and religious freedom." This decision was cited in Murray v. Buchanan, which challenged the House chaplaincy, the next year. On appeal, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia dismissed the complaint "for want of a substantial constitutional question." Subsequently, on March 25, 2004, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, citing Marsh v. Chambers, dismissed a suit that challenged the congressional practice of paid chaplains as well as the practice of opening legislative sessions with prayer. [1]

In 2000, a C-SPAN "public affairs on the web" response to the question of constitutional challenges noted that:

In 1983, the Supreme Court upheld the practice of having an official chaplain as deeply ingrained in the history and tradition of this country. They stated the ultimate authority for the position lies in the Constitution which states that the House and Senate may each choose their officers, with no restrictions on what kind of officers may be chosen. Using that authority, both chambers have chosen to continue to elect an officer to act as Chaplain. [6]

Controversies

The Presiding Officer of the Senate directs that "The Sergeant-at-Arms will restore order in the Senate" when a group of Christian protestors interrupt Guest Chaplain Rajan Zed, the first Senate Hindu guest chaplain, July 12, 2007 Rajan Zed Senate Guest Chaplain.jpg
The Presiding Officer of the Senate directs that "The Sergeant-at-Arms will restore order in the Senate" when a group of Christian protestors interrupt Guest Chaplain Rajan Zed, the first Senate Hindu guest chaplain, July 12, 2007

In addition to court cases, controversy regarding the chaplain's position included a number of petitions to abolish both the Senate and House chaplains that were submitted as early as the 1850s, for reasons including claims that the positions represented a violation of the separation of church and state and that the choice of chaplains had become too politicized. [1] From 1855-1861, [6] the election of chaplains for the House and from 1857-1859, [6] the election of chaplains for the Senate were suspended, with local clergy invited to serve on a voluntary basis, instead. [1] However, as a result of "the difficulty in obtaining volunteer chaplains" and the opportunity for volunteer chaplains to get to know "their flock," Congress returned to the practice of selecting official chaplains for both the House and the Senate. [1] [6]

There have also been occasions when actions or decisions of individuals serving in the position have created controversy. For example, in 2007 Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black canceled his scheduled appearance at the "Evangelical conference" "Reclaiming America for Christ." [28] According to news reports, "Black reconsidered his appearance after "Americans United for Separation of Church and State" objected. [28] Black announced he had reconsidered his participation because it would not be appropriate considering the Senate chaplain's "historic tradition of being nonpolitical, nonpartisan, nonsectarian." [28] Black said that he had received a "very generic invitation" to speak, and felt that the information about the event had been "incomplete." [29]

In 1984, Dr. Paul Kurtz, "a professor of philosophy and advocate of secular humanism," sued the government in a case that reached the United States Supreme Court for the right to offer comments in place of the prayer that would normally be delivered by the Senate chaplain or guest chaplain. [22] The Court denied his suit on the grounds that no individual has the "right" to address Congress, and that the delivery of the prayer, coordinated by the Senate chaplain, was governed by policies that dealt with "prayers" (not "remarks") which Kurtz did not seem prepared to offer. [22]

In 2007, the prayer delivered by Rajan Zed, the first Hindu guest chaplain was briefly interrupted by protestors described by news reports as members of the Christian Right. [4] Activists had organized supporters to lobby Congress to stop the delivery of the prayer and failing that action to interrupt the prayer itself. [4] The protestors were removed by the United States Capitol Police, charged with disrupting Congress, and barred from the Capitol and its grounds for twelve months. [30]

Current chaplain

The current chaplain, the 62nd chaplain of the United States Senate, [7] Barry C. Black, is the first African-American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to serve in the position. [31] [32] He previously served as Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy, holding the rank of Rear Admiral. [32] Although some news reports note that Black is the "first military chaplain" to serve as Senate Chaplain, [32] the Rev. Edward L. R. Elson, the 59th chaplain of the United States Senate, served as an Army chaplain during World War II. [33] [34]

List of Senate chaplains

The website for the U.S. Senate includes the following list of past and present Senate chaplains: [7]

No.ChaplainPhotoReligionDenominationAppointed
1 Samuel Provoost Samuel Provoost-Bishop Episcopal Church USA.jpg Christian Episcopal April 25, 1789
2 William White William White-Bishop Episcopal Church USA-1795.jpg Christian Episcopal December 9, 1790
3 Thomas John Claggett Thomas john claggett.jpg Christian Episcopal November 27, 1800
4 Edward Gantt Christian Episcopal December 9, 1801
5 A. T. McCormick Christian Episcopal November 7, 1804
6 Edward Gantt Christian Episcopal December 4, 1805
7 John Johnson Sayrs Christian Episcopal December 3, 1806
8 A. T. McCormick Christian Episcopal November 10, 1807
9 Robert Elliott Christian Presbyterian November 10, 1808
10 James Jones Wilmer Christian Episcopal May 24, 1809
11 Obadiah Bruen Brown Obadiah Bruen Brown.jpg Christian Baptist December 5, 1809
12 Walter Dulaney Addison Walter Delaney Addison.jpg Christian Episcopal December 12, 1810
13 John Brackenridge, D.D. Christian Presbyterian November 13, 1811
14 Jesse Lee Jesse Lee.gif Christian Methodist September 27, 1814
15 John Glendy John Glendy.jpg Christian Presbyterian December 8, 1815
16 Sereno Edwards Dwight Christian Congregationalist December 16, 1816
17 William Dickinson Hawley Christian Episcopal December 9, 1817
18 John Clark Christian Presbyterian November 19, 1818
19 Reuben Post Christian Presbyterian December 9, 1819
20 William Ryland Christian Methodist November 17, 1820
21 Charles Pettit McIlvaine Charles Pettit McIlvaine - Brady-Handy.jpg Christian Episcopal December 9, 1822
22 William Staughton William Staughton.jpg Christian Baptist December 10, 1823
23 Charles Pettit McIlvaine Charles Pettit McIlvaine - Brady-Handy.jpg Christian Episcopal December 14, 1824
24 William Staughton William Staughton.jpg Christian Baptist December 12, 1825
25 William Ryland Christian Methodist December 8, 1826
26 Henry Van Dyke Johns Christian Episcopal December 14, 1829
27 John Price Durbin John Price Durbin.jpg Christian Methodist December 19, 1831
28 Charles Constantine Pise Charles Constantine Pise.jpg Christian Roman Catholic December 11, 1832
29 Frederick Winslow Hatch Christian Episcopal December 10, 1833
30 Edward Young Higbee Christian Episcopal December 23, 1835
31 John Reinhard Goodman Christian Episcopal December 28, 1836
32 Henry Slicer Henry Slicer.jpg Christian Methodist September 11, 1837
33 George Grimston Cookman Christian Methodist December 31, 1839
34 Septimus Tustin Christian Presbyterian June 12, 1841
35 Henry Slicer Henry Slicer.jpg Christian Methodist December 16, 1846
36 Clement Moore Butler Rev. C.M. Butler, D.D., ca. 1862.jpg Christian Episcopal January 9, 1850
37 Henry Slicer Henry Slicer.jpg Christian Methodist December 7, 1853
38 Henry Clay Dean Christian Methodist December 4, 1855
39 Stephen P. Hill Stephen P. Hill, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Washington, D.C LCCN2003673096.jpg Christian Baptist December 8, 1856
40 Phineas Densmore Gurley Phineas Densmore Gurley.jpg Christian Presbyterian December 15, 1859
41 Byron Sunderland Byron Sunderland.jpg Christian Presbyterian July 10, 1861
42 Thomas Bowman Thomas Bowman.jpg Christian Methodist May 11, 1864
43 Edgar Harkness Gray Edgar Harkness Gray.jpg Christian Baptist March 9, 1865
44 John Philip Newman John Philip Newman - Brady-Handy.jpg Christian Methodist March 8, 1869
45 Byron Sunderland Byron Sunderland.jpg Christian Presbyterian December 8, 1873
46 Joseph J. Bullock Christian Presbyterian March 24, 1879
47 Elias DeWitt Huntley Elias DeWitt Huntley.jpg Christian Methodist December 18, 1883
48 John George Butler John George Butler.jpg Christian Lutheran March 15, 1886
49 William Henry Milburn William Henry Milburn.jpg Christian Methodist April 6, 1893
50 F.J. Prettyman Forrest Johnston Prettyman.jpg Christian Methodist November 23, 1903
51 Edward Everett Hale 1855 EdwardEverettHale.png Christian Unitarian December 14, 1903
52 Ulysses Grant Baker Pierce Rev. U.G.B. Pierce seated LCCN2014684675.jpg Christian Unitarian June 18, 1909
53 F.J. Prettyman Forrest Johnston Prettyman.jpg Christian Methodist March 13, 1913
54 Joseph Johnston Muir Joseph Johnstone Muir (1847-1927).png Christian Baptist January 21, 1921
55 ZeBarney Thorne Phillips ZeBarney Phillips.jpg Christian Episcopal December 5, 1927
56 Frederick Brown Harris Frederick Brown Harris.jpg Christian Methodist October 10, 1942
57 Peter Marshall Peter Marshall.jpg Christian Presbyterian January 4, 1947
58 Frederick Brown Harris Frederick Brown Harris.jpg Christian Methodist February 3, 1949
59 Edward L.R. Elson Edward L. R. Elson 2.jpg Christian Presbyterian January 9, 1969
60 Richard C. Halverson Richard C. Halverson.jpg Christian Presbyterian February 2, 1981
61 Lloyd John Ogilvie Lloyd John Ogilvie.gif Christian Presbyterian March 11, 1995
62 Barry C. Black Barry Black.jpg Christian Seventh-day Adventist July 7, 2003

Demographics

The U.S. Senate website focusing on the history of Senate chaplains includes the following information on the religious backgrounds of past and current Senate chaplains: [7]

Episcopalian19
Methodist17
Presbyterian14
Baptist6
Unitarian2
Congregationalist1
Lutheran1
Roman Catholic1
Seventh-day Adventist1
Total62

Of these, three of the Episcopalians served two terms; three of the Methodists served twice and one thrice; and one each of the Presbyterians and Baptists served twice.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joseph T. Robinson</span> American politician (1872–1937)

Joseph Taylor Robinson, also known as Joe T. Robinson, was an American politician from Arkansas. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Arkansas in the United States Senate from 1913 to 1937, serving for four years as Senate Majority Leader and ten as Minority Leader. He previously served as the state's 23rd governor, and was also the Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 1928 presidential election.

Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962), was a landmark United States Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools, due to violation of the First Amendment. The ruling has been the subject of intense debate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Aderholt</span> American politician and attorney (born 1965)

Robert Brown Aderholt is an American politician and attorney serving as the U.S. representative for Alabama's 4th congressional district since 1997. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district includes most of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, as well as Birmingham's far northern suburbs in Walker County and the southern suburbs of Huntsville and Decatur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colorado Senate</span> Upper house of Colorado General Assembly

The Colorado State Senate is the upper house of the Colorado General Assembly, the state legislature of the US state of Colorado. It is composed of 35 members elected from single-member districts, with each district having a population of about 123,000 as of the 2000 census. Senators are elected to four-year terms, and are limited to two consecutive terms in office. Senators who are term-limited become eligible to run again after a one-term respite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Navy Chaplain Corps</span> Staff corps and military chaplain arm of the United States Navy

The United States Navy Chaplain Corps is the body of military chaplains of the United States Navy who are commissioned naval officers. Their principal purpose is "to promote the spiritual, religious, moral, and personal well-being of the members of the Department of the Navy," which includes the Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, the Chaplain Corps provides chaplains to the United States Coast Guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Coughlin</span> American politician (born 1934)

Daniel P. Coughlin, served as the 59th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives from March 23, 2000, to April 14, 2011. He was the first Roman Catholic priest to serve in that position, and the process that led to his selection included some controversy. However, as a 2010 article in The Washington Post pointed out, on the occasion of Coughlin's tenth anniversary in the House Chaplain position, "there is ample evidence that the rancor that accompanied his selection has disappeared: Last week, lawmakers from both parties streamed onto the House floor to honor his decade of service."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in the United States</span>

Hinduism is the fourth-largest religion in the United States, comprising 1% of the population, the same as Buddhism and Islam. The majority of American Hindus are immigrants, mainly from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Caribbean, with a minority from Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Canada, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and other countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joint session of the United States Congress</span> Gathering of members of both houses of Congress

A joint session of the United States Congress is a gathering of members of the two chambers of the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Joint sessions can be held on any special occasion, but are required to be held when the president delivers a State of the Union address, when they gather to count and certify the votes of the Electoral College as the presidential election, or when they convene on the occasion of a presidential inauguration. A joint meeting is a ceremonial or formal occasion and does not perform any legislative function, and no resolution is proposed nor vote taken.

The United States Senate observes a number of traditions, some formal and some informal. Some of the current and former traditions are described below:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States presidential inauguration</span> Ceremony marking the start of a new presidential term

Between 73 and 79 days after the presidential election, the president-elect of the United States is inaugurated as president by taking the presidential oath of office. The inauguration takes place for each new presidential term, even if the president is continuing in office for a second term.

This controversy centers on the first Hindu opening prayer offered in the United States House of Representatives by Venkatachalapathi Samuldrala, a priest of Shiva Hindu Temple in Parma, Ohio. This prompted criticism from the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian group, who protested against it in conservative media, in turn generating responses from their opponents and leading to serious discussions over the role of legislative chaplains in a pluralist society.

The School Prayer Amendment is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution intended by its proponents to protect the right of the students if they wish, to voluntarily pray in schools, although opponents argue it allows for government-sponsored prayer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Senate</span> Upper house of the US Congress

The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress. The United States Senate and the lower chamber of Congress, the United States House of Representatives, comprise the federal bicameral legislature of the United States. Together, the Senate and the House have the authority under Article One of the U.S. Constitution to pass or defeat federal legislation. The Senate has exclusive power to confirm U.S. presidential appointments to high offices, approve or reject treaties, and try cases of impeachment brought by the House. The Senate and the House provide a check and balance on the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arnold Resnicoff</span> American military chaplain

Arnold E. Resnicoff is an American Conservative rabbi who served as a military officer and military chaplain. He served in Vietnam and Europe before attending rabbinical school. He then served as a U.S. Navy Chaplain for almost 25 years. He promoted the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and delivered the closing prayer at its 1982 dedication. In 1984 the President of the United States spoke on his eyewitness account of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. After retiring from the military he was National Director of Interreligious Affairs for the American Jewish Committee and served as Special Assistant to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, serving at the equivalent military rank of Brigadier General.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives</span> Officer of the United States House of Representatives

The chaplain of the United States House of Representatives is the officer of the United States House of Representatives responsible for beginning each day's proceedings with a prayer. The House cites the first half of Article 1, Section 2, Clause 5 in the United States Constitution as giving it the authority to elect a chaplain, "The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers".

The United States House of Representatives Page Program was a program run by the United States House of Representatives, under the office of the Clerk of the House, in which high school students acted as non-partisan federal employees in the House of Representatives, providing supplemental administrative support to House operations in a variety of capacities in Washington, D.C., at the United States Capitol. The program ended in 2011, although the Senate Page program continued. Pages served within the U.S. House of Representatives for over 180 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States military chaplains</span>

United States military chaplains hold positions in the armed forces of the United States and are charged with conducting religious services and providing counseling for their adherents. As of 2011, there are about 2,900 chaplains in the Army, among the active duty, reserve, and National Guard components.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rajan Zed prayer protest</span> U.S. Congress protest

The Rajan Zed prayer protest were events surrounding the first official offering of a Hindu prayer at the United States Senate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congressional Prayer Room</span> Room in the United States Capitol

The Congressional Prayer Room near the rotunda in the United States Capitol is a place set aside for the use of members of Congress who seek a quiet place for meditation or prayer. The space is not open to tour groups or visitors to the Capitol.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Brudnick, Ida, "House and Senate Chaplains: An Overview," Congressional Research Service report for Congress, May 26, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 www.senate.gov, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  3. Congressional glossary: pro forma sessions, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 4 www.gods-directions-for-life.com Archived 2011-09-10 at the Wayback Machine , retrieved July 27, 2011.
  5. 1 2 "Traditions of the U.S. Senate, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 legacy.c-span.org, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Senate website, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Byrd, Robert C.,"The Senate:1789-1989 (volume 2, chapter 12), Washington, D.C., Government Printing Office, 1982 Archived June 29, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , retrieved July 27, 2011.
  9. 1 2 www.ifapray.org, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  10. "Senate Chaplain Black to National Prayer Breakfast | C-SPAN.org".
  11. Struglinski, Susanne (editor), 2009 Insider's Guide to Key Committee Staffs of the U.S. Congress, 22nd edition, Bernan Press, page 421.
  12. www.americablog.com Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , retrieved July 27, 2011.
  13. www.thepilot.com, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  14. 1 2 Congressional Research Service report, April 25, 2008, retrieved July 28, 2011.
  15. mpoliticalroundtable.com, retrieved July 28, 2011.
  16. www.legistorm.com, retrieved July 28, 2011.
  17. www.nytimes.com, obit, retrieved July 28, 2011.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 William and Mary Bill of Rights Journal, Vol 17:117, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  19. Lincoln, C. Eric, "The Black Muslims in America," Third Edition, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1994, page 265.
  20. Cassata, Donna (March 6, 2014). "Dalai Lama Opens Senate Session With Prayer". ABC News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 6, 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  21. lummis.house.gov Archived 2011-08-16 at the Wayback Machine , retrieved July 28, 2011.
  22. 1 2 3 www.justice.gov, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  23. From history portion of the official brochure, House Chaplaincy, posted online, retrieved August 8, 2011.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Baker, Richard A. The New Members' Guide to Traditions of the United States Senate.(Washington, GPO, 2006. S. Pub. 109-25), 14, cited on Senate website, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  25. chaplain.house.gov, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Senate's Chaplain Creates Controversy". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. May 16, 1970. p. 5.
  27. O'Keefe, Ed; Lowery, Wesley (March 6, 2014). "Dalai Lama visits Capitol Hill and prays in the Senate: 'May there be joy in the world'". The Washington Post . Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  28. 1 2 3 www.kxnet.com Archived 2011-09-30 at the Wayback Machine , retrieved July 27, 2011.
  29. www.washingtonpost.com, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  30. www.docstoc.com, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  31. www.breakingchristiannews.com, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  32. 1 2 3 www.veteransadvantage.com, retrieved July 27, 2011.
  33. www.nytimes.com, obit, retrieved July 28, 2011.
  34. articles.latimes.com, obit, retrieved July 28, 2011.