Chaplain of Congress in D.C., being sued by atheist

Freedom From Religion’s Barker wants to deliver invocation

It’s not like Dan Barker isn’t qualified to deliver an invocation to Congress.

Barker, from the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation in Madison, says he meets all the required qualifications. 

Even above the necessary sponsorship by a member of congress.

His group is suing the Patrick Conroy, Congress’ Chaplain, in Washington, D.C., for refusing to allow Barker, an atheist, to deliver the opening invocation to House members.

“I have performed weddings, ceremonies and memorial services,” Barker said. “And, was looking forward to being able to solemnize, in a secular way, solemnize Congress and the chaplain said no.”

Barker says it’s clear the congressional chaplain just doesn’t want an atheist giving the invocation. That the chaplain is just subjectively determing that atheists should not be heard. And that’s unconstitutional, he believes.

“The constitution says there shall be no religious test for public office,” Barker explained. “He has a public office and guest chaplains are filing the office, so he’s violating the constitution.”

It’s an arbitrary decision by the chaplain, says Barker.

“Basically, our charge is he doesn’t like atheist,” he said. “He doesn’t think atheist should participate equally in the political process.”

Barker says he fits all the requirements for delivering the invocation and has been sponsored by a member of the Wisconsin congressional delegation.”

The Freedom From Religion group is the same that forced the removal of a lighted cross from public land in La Crescent, Minn., and demanded a prayer area at the University of Iowa to close.