House and Senate Chaplains: An Overview (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
May 26, 2011 |
| Report Number |
R41807 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Ida A. Brudnick, Analyst on the Congress |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Both the Senate and House of Representatives elect chaplains. The chaplains perform ceremonial,symbolic, and pastoral duties. Pursuant to Senate Rule IV and House Rule II, the Senate andHouse chaplains open the daily sessions in their respective chambers with a prayer. In addition tothese official duties, they also serve as spiritual counselors to Members, their families, and staff;coordinate religious studies, discussion sessions, and prayer meetings for Members and staff; andmay officiate at the weddings and funerals of Members.At the beginning of each Congress, the House chaplain is elected to a two-year term. The Senatechaplain, like other officers of the Senate, does not have to be reelected at the beginning of a newCongress. The House and Senate elect the chaplains as individuals and not as representatives ofany religious body or denominational entity.The elected chaplains also coordinate the "guest chaplains," who are invited by Members of theHouse and Senate to offer an opening prayer. These guest chaplains, who have representednumerous faiths, have been invited for many decades. In 1948, for example, the Housewelcomed its first female guest chaplain.
