House of Representatives
How Hakeem Jeffries’ Black Baptist upbringing and deep-rooted faith shapes his House leadership
By Darren Sands — February 28, 2024
WASHINGTON (AP) — For Jeffries, 53, his leadership in the House traces back to his formative days growing up and serving at Cornerstone, a historically Black congregation which he still attends.
Mike Johnson, pedigreed evangelical, suggests his election as House speaker ordained by God
By Jack Jenkins — October 25, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Johnson, who peppered his first speech as speaker with religious references, has a history of challenging interpretations of the separation of church and state.
We are defeating global poverty. Congress could set us back.
By David Beckmann — September 25, 2023
(RNS) — Far-right Republicans are insisting on deep cuts in domestic and international poverty programs — though we have ample evidence both are working.
House chaplain criticizes lawmakers in prayer for ‘failing’ to unite around pandemic relief
By Jack Jenkins — March 10, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The House did, in fact, vote to approve the pandemic relief bill Wednesday afternoon. But division appeared to remain: The final vote tally fell almost entirely along partisan lines.
Time for some good news for the poor
By Jim Wallis — March 9, 2021
(RNS) — The American Recovery Plan is 'good news for the poor' in the midst of a global pandemic — which should cheer Christians in both parties.
Outgoing House chaplain says the job is to ‘be a counterpoint to the dominant spirit of this place’
By Jack Jenkins — January 15, 2021
(RNS) – The Rev. Patrick J. Conroy likened watching Congress debate in person the first time to 'when my parents were arguing past one another.'
Meet Shane Vaughn, Mississippi pastor and star of viral ‘if Trump does not concede’ video
By Bob Smietana — November 16, 2020
(RNS) — A small-town Mississippi preacher’s video claims President Trump could still win the election.
Equality Act vote again pits Catholic nuns against bishops
By Thomas Reese — May 20, 2019
(RNS) — What's different this time around is that the nuns are divided, with some sisters objecting that the Equality Act could force Catholic hospitals to perform services that they consider immoral.
Welcome Muslim congresswomen by dropping ban on headwear
By Simran Jeet Singh — November 20, 2018
(RNS) — If Congress is guilty of maintaining outdated policies that infringe on religious freedoms, how can Americans expect to change these discriminatory policies in everyday life?
GOP bill allows churches to back candidates, keep tax status
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 2, 2017
WASHINGTON (AP) — Churches would gain the right to endorse political candidates and still retain their tax-free status under a provision in House Republicans' tax overhaul plan.
North Carolina imam urges Congress to ‘celebrate’ difference
By Yonat Shimron — October 4, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — At the opening prayer in Congress Wednesday, a North Carolina imam delivered a message: human diversity is God-given.
Tennessee House approves bill to make Bible official state book
By Reuters — April 16, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Reuters) The Republican-controlled state House of Representatives voted 55-38 to approve the Bible as state book.
House considers a prayer plaque at WWII monument; interfaith coalition says ‘no’
By Kimberly Winston — May 21, 2014
(RNS) A group of Christians, Hindus, Jews and humanists has asked the House of Representatives to reject a prayer plaque proposed for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Rev. Patrick Conroy, U.S. House chaplain, talks about conflict and his unusual congregation
By Nancy Haught — May 8, 2012
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) For nearly a year, the Rev. Patrick Conroy has been chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, which The New York Times called "one of the most reviled congregations in the country." By Nancy Haught.
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