Congressional Statements

Brown requests Hindu priest be chosen as guest chaplain in House

Press Release
May 15, 2000

U.S. Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) requested the House Chaplain set aside a day for a Hindu priest to deliver the invocation opening a daily session of Congress. Brown, a senior member of the International Relations Committee, asked for the opportunity to nominate a priest once a time has been reserved.

"Freedom of religion is a hallmark of the United States. By inviting clergy of various faiths to deliver the invocation opening the House of Representatives, we honor our diverse religious heritage," Brown said.

The House Chaplain can allow clergy of any religion to offer the opening invocation of the House. Historically, the House has hosted members of various Christian denominations and Jewish sects, but has never invited a representative of Hinduism.

"There are hundreds of thousands of practicing Hindus in this country. We should fulfill our responsibility to represent the religious diversity of this country by including a Hindu priest as a guest chaplain," Brown said.

Because guest slots are reserved months in advance, Brown asked to be given three to four months notice once a date has been selected to nominate a priest.