Former House Chaplain Shows Ignorance, Prejudice

At Boston College, this weekend, former House Chaplain Conroy spoke about his life as a Jesuit and how that informed his ministry. During that discussion, he proudly recounted his discrimination against humanists. He said he denied a request for accommodation to give a humanist invocation, that it was just “rah rah fervorino” that he would not allow. While he expressed humility that it was not in his power to do so, he forcefully exerted his power to exclude those who were different.

“I could not give permission for a secular humanist to give a rah rah fervorino”

former House Chaplain shows dismissive ignorance in reference to sincere humanist beliefs and church-state separation

Conversely, Conroy recalled his own selection, which was distinguished by Catholic and specifically Jesuit privilege. He said that House leaders Boehner and Pelosi directed the selection of “a Jesuit, if possible.” Chaplain Conroy stands as example of religious cronyism in our government, where Catholics are given special privilege and humanists are excluded entirely.

Conroy was refusing an American Humanist Association letter and Freedom From Religion Foundation lawsuit calling on Congress to provide platform to nontheists if a platform was provided to theists. The AHA letter in particular offered a message to remind us of, “common human values and remind us of our responsibilities to each other and the world around us.” This is certainly no ‘rah rah’ speech, and Conroy disregarded the words of those applying, instead deferring to his own ignorance and prejudice about differing humanist beliefs.

This sort of discrimination exists in the military as well. Chaplain (Major General) Paul Hurley, also a Catholic, is Chief of Chaplains of the US Army. He enjoys the top seat and has used this to further cement policy for a god-only chaplaincy. There continue to be no humanist chaplains or even training about humanism for chaplains. And from that arises ignorant ideas such as considering solemn, heartfelt, inspirational humanist messages to be just ‘rah rah fervornio’.

In one of his first acts as Army Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain Hurley has published new guidance. He directs “Man” to “serve God and Country.” This guidance is in lockstep with the traditional male and god-centric chaplaincy. It is unfortunate to see now concern for diversity of belief and a specific exclusion of women in the wording of the guidance. The Chief also targets, “lower value activities to discontinue.” While this may just be management speak to fill the document, the rest of the document implies the Chief wants most to reinforce the majority rule and reinforce his own Catholic privilege. Different beliefs and maybe women are just “lower value.” Let us hope that one day the military chaplaincy will embrace the diversity already present in its own ranks.

Our government chaplains, House or military, should be serving all, not just feathering their own nests. Fortunately, the Humanist Society offers mutual support and certification for invocations. These augments the larger humanist clergy and chaplaincy program good for graduations, retirements, and promotion ceremonies in the military. Humanists and other nontheists stand ready to participate in a positive way, but it continues to be difficult as powerful Christian chaplains build barriers to diversity.