House Chaplain Nomination Hits Snag, But Is Now A "Go"

Roll Call reported yesterday that House Speaker John Boehner's plans to appoint Jesuit priest Patrick J. Conroy as the next House Chaplain (see prior posting) hit a snag, but is now back on track. It turns out that Conroy is a member of the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus which is in bankruptcy and which last March settled sex abuse claims by 470 victims, most of whom were abused at Native American mission schools, for $166 million. (See prior posting.)  When this information became known, House minority leader Nancy Peolsi raised questions about the nomination. However after obtaining answers to additional questions, Peolsi is now satisfied with the nomination moving ahead. Apparently neither Boehner nor Pelosi knew of this history when the nomination was originally announced. Some other House members say they still want to make certain that Conroy's past is examined thoroughly. [Thanks to Pew Sitter for the lead.]