House Speaker Mike Johnson is looking for a new chaplain for the House of Representatives.
Johnson, R-La., the leader of the House Republicans, initiated the personnel change last week when the incumbent chaplain, Margaret Grun Kibben, was made acting chaplain, rather than being included in the resolution for new officers of the House.
The move is set to test the strength of Johnson’s control over the members of the chamber. A failed attempt at replacing the House chaplain in 2018 suggests that even minor changes to personnel can confound House leadership.
The House chaplain’s most public-facing role is to open each business day in the House with a prayer. He or she also provide spiritual counsel for the members of the legislative body, their families, and their staff.
The current House chaplain was elected by the then-Democratic majority led by then-Speaker…
