Article snippet: Democrats called for an inquiry into the House chaplain’s forced resignation Friday as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle struggled to explain the popular priest’s dismissal at the behest of House Speaker Paul Ryan. “It's just a sign of the times here in Washington how crazy things are when the House chaplain is getting fired,” Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, said. “Nobody can seem to figure out what the heck happened.” Ryan refused to publicly address his rationale in demanding Father Patrick Conroy’s resignation earlier this month, though he explained his decision to the House Republican Conference behind closed doors Friday – citing member concern over his pastoral care and a lack of chaplaincy service, such as proactively reaching out to a grieving member of Congress. “He just said that there was dissatisfaction among members with Father Conroy, and that was it,” Rep. Pete King, R-N.Y., told reporters. “So we need more of an explanation. I'm not aware of any discontent or any criticism and to be the first House Chaplain removed in the history of Congress in the middle of the term raises serious questions and I think we deserve more of an explanation and why was there political pressure.” King said he has seen “no evidence why he should be removed,” calling the abrupt dismissal “unprecedented action.” “To me, it would only be taken if there were very, very serious issues,” King said. “And the speaker said it was just because certain people felt he was not c... Link to the full article to read more