There are clearly more details than we know in this story -- about the House chaplain being either "ousted" or "resigning." The major point, however, seems to be that Fr Pat prayed prayers that upset some Republicans.
But one thing is clear: Although this may be the first time such a thing has happened in Congress, this is NOT an isolated incident. 2/
I'm not a pastor, but I preach about 20 times a year -- different churches, different places. And, during the rise of Trump, preaching and praying in public became an increasingly contentious practice. 3/
Because, frankly, Jesus -- and the Bible more generally -- say a lot of stuff that sounds political. About poverty, immigrants, outsiders. About compassion and hospitality and justice. 4/
Years ago, you could preach on any of these passages and people might not like such sermons but they didn't take them personally. They could ignore them. 5/
But now? They get downright angry at what Jesus said. And, if you happen to be the preacher or prayer repeating what Jesus said, well, watch out. 6/
Because people will say something. And not just say things. In "preacher line" one Sunday, a man came close to smacking me because of a sermon I preached. 7/
I'd preached from the Book of Nehemiah, about rebuilding Jerusalem after exile -- and how nostalgia clouds our vision of the future God intends for God's people. 8/
The man took it as a direct attack on Trump, MAGA, and building the wall. He was so angry, livid. I was actually afraid. Because of preaching a sermon I deemed relevant from a Hebrew prophet. 9/
Now: Here's the larger point: If I experience such things as a guest preacher, pastors and preaching are experiencing a lot more stress and even pressure in their congregations because of this environment. 10/
Sermons once seem as harmless -- or perhaps annoying -- are now interpreted by some congregants are direct political attacks. 11/
I personally know a half dozen clergy who have lost their jobs over a sermon preached or a prayer prayed -- one that was interpreted as an attack on Trump or thought to "divide" a congregation. 12/
And I know countless more who have been instructed by bishops, supervisors, senior clergy, or church boards to preach and pray on NOTHING that could even be construed as vaguely political. 13/
Most of this is to placate conservative donors to religious organizations. But some is to protect the clergy. 14/
I've been in some churches (when not preaching) and the texts are profound, powerful, on point with the news headlines. 15/
And I've watched good clergy dance around those texts, spiritualizing them instead of preaching prophetically to their flocks. Because they have been instructed not to be prophetic. 16/
Many clergy have locked their Twitter accounts, shut down Facebook, or gone off Instagram in order to hide their personal politics from their congregations or their supervisors. 17/
Because, basically, they don't want to end up like Father Pat. 18/
(Or, they are trying to do the "right thing" but can't figure out what the "right thing" is in these difficult times.) 19/
If Father Pat got fired for speaking Jesus' words about the poor, Father Pat is in good company. Because this is happening. Good people, being faithful to the texts, are getting fired. 20/
Because Jesus blesses the poor, welcomes the outcast, and sets a table for strangers. Because Jesus sets the prisoners free and lifts the lowly. Because these aren't just nice idealistic words. 21/
This is what Jesus wanted. What he lived and died for. This is real. And, guess what? If it sounds political, it is because it is! 22/
Churches had tamed these scriptures. 23/
And functionally taught congregations to hear these scriptures as a kind of spiritual vision that could never happen. 24/
But NOW? In this time of Trump, the words have reclaimed their power. They sound like they were intended to sound. A forceful critique of exploitative, oppressive and corrupted politics. 25/
The ancient words of scripture are roaring right now. 26/
And even if a clergy person doesn't intend to be prophetic, if she/he/they is just being faithful right now, Jesus' words can't be contained. It takes real work to preach non-politically at this moment. 27/
And everyday, pastors are getting hassled, reprimanded, threatened, and even fired. Most of this takes place away from public gaze. But it is causing genuine harm to both those pastors and to churches. 28/
If Father Pat's story throws light on what is happening, that would be a good thing. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. 29/
And, of course, you are not alone because the Spirit is with you. With those words. With all working for God's compassion and justice. No matter what. (end thread. as always, pls forgive typos, etc).
