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Illinois Republican mistakes Sikh for Muslim, calls him delivering prayer in House ‘deeply troubling’
Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) said it was “deeply disturbing” that a Sikh delivered a prayer in the House chamber on Friday — after apparently mistaking him for a Muslim man. The since-dele…
thehill.com
Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) said it was “deeply disturbing” that a Sikh delivered a prayer in the House chamber on Friday — after apparently mistaking him for a Muslim man.
The since-deleted post Friday morning sparked immediate 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 said on the social platform X. “America was founded as a Christian nation, and I believe our government should reflect that truth, not drift further from it. May God have mercy!”
She attached a photo of the guest chaplain, who was wearing a yellow turban, leading the customary prayer that occurs every day at the opening of the House floor.
But the guest chaplain was not a Muslim, but a Sikh: Giani Surinder Singh, of Gurdwara South Jersey Sikh Society in Vineland, N.J. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who opened the floor, introduced the guest chaplain.
Miller later edited her post on X to replace “Muslim” with “Sikh” before deleting the post altogether. Her office did not respond to a request for comment about the incident.
The House has long welcomed guest chaplains from many types of faiths — including Muslims, with a Muslim guest chaplain notably reading from the Quran in November 2001 following the 9/11 terror attacks.
Members of Congress regularly invite guest chaplains to deliver prayers
Miller’s post sparked bipartisan condemnation.
Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) said on X he was “troubled” by the post. “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 another post commenting on Miller’s post.
Democrats, meanwhile, went much further in 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) said in a post responding to Miller. “Not only is this racist, it dishonors the ‘founding document’ you referenced.”
Singh, during his prayer, had called for peace.
“Almighty God …. we call you by many names, sir. But you are one. Keep your divine hand over the members of this House. … Keep truth on our tongues, sir, love in our hearts, and sound judgment 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 said. “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 added.
Howard Mortman, author of the book “When Rabbis bless Congress” documenting the history of Rabbis offering such prayers, explained that diverse faith leaders have long prayed before Congress.
“Historically, inviting guest chaplains to open House and Senate sessions in prayer allows Congress to showcase the diversity of religions in America. It shows that we live in a multi-faith society — with no established state religion. Many different religions have been represented by clergymembers praying in Congress. Hundreds of rabbis, for instance — going back to 1860.”
