Rep. Mary Miller (R-In poor health.) mentioned it was “deeply disturbing” {that a} Sikh delivered a prayer within the Home chamber on Friday — after apparently mistaking him for a Muslim man.
The since-deleted publish Friday morning sparked fast bipartisan criticism.
“It’s deeply troubling that a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning. This should never have been allowed to happen,” Miller mentioned in a publish on X. “America was based as a Christian nation, and I imagine our authorities ought to mirror that fact, not drift farther from it. Could God have mercy!”
She connected a photograph of the visitor chaplain, who was sporting a yellow turban, main the customary prayer that happens every single day on the opening of the Home ground.
However the visitor chaplain was not a Muslim, however a Sikh: Giani Surinder Singh of Gurdwara South Jersey Sikh Society in Vineland, N.J. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who opened the ground, had launched the visitor chaplain.
Miller later edited her publish on X to switch “Muslim” with “Sikh” earlier than deleting the publish altogether. Her workplace didn’t reply to a request for remark concerning the incident.
The Home has lengthy welcomed visitor chaplains from many kinds of faiths — together with Muslims, with a Muslim visitor chaplain notably studying from the Quran in November 2001 following the 9/11 terror assaults.
Members of Congress usually invite visitor chaplains to ship prayers
Miller’s publish sparked bipartisan condemnation.
Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) mentioned on X he was “troubled” by the publish. “Throughout the country—and in the Central Valley— Sikh-Americans are valued and respected members of our communities, yet they continue to face harassment and discrimination.”
“While yes, we are a nation rooted in Judeo-Christian values and our laws reflect that, we are also a nation that recognizes we are all God’s children and whatever our differences, we can and should respect differences of faith,” added Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) in one other publish commenting on Miller’s publish.
Democrats, in the meantime, went a lot additional of their criticism.
“Our country was founded on the Constitution – which happens to care enough about freedom of religion that it’s in the very first amendment,” Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) mentioned in a publish responding to Miller. “Not only is this racist, it dishonors the ‘founding document’ you referenced.”
Singh, throughout his prayer, had known as for peace.
“Almighty God …. We call you by many names, sir. But you are one. Keep your devine hand over the members of this House … Keep truth on our tongues, sir, love in our hearts, and sound judgement in our minds. Remind us, sir, of our purpose: To love and serve one another and create a more peaceful world. We ask you for blessings unto all leaders, sir, and their work for the common good. Give all who govern this land humility and courage, integrity and compassion,” Singh mentioned. “Help us remember that we belong to one family.”
“We ask for the almighty also to keep watch over our nation’s protectors who work tirelessly day and night to ensure our safety and our freedom,” Singh additionally mentioned.
