House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will announce on Thursday that she is appointing Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben as the Chamber’s new chaplain – the first female chaplain in any of the chambers of Congress.
Pelosi called the nomination “historic” and thanked the bipartisan group of members of the Chamber who conducted the search.
“Kibben brings decades of decorated experience in the army and in the ministry, as a retired Rear Admiral who served as chief chaplain of the U.S. Navy and chaplain to the Marine Corps,” Pelosi said in a statement. “Her integrity, experience and patriotism will serve Congress and the country well, as she minister to the needs of members.”
Kibben began his active service in 1986 through the Navy Theology Student Program. In the past, she served as chief chaplain for the Navy and chaplain for the Marine Corps.
Kibben. (Photo: Screenshot / Video of the Air Force Chaplain Corps)
Pelosi also thanked the current chaplain of the Chamber, Reverend Patrick Conroy.
“Father Pat Conroy’s service has been a blessing to members on both sides of the corridor,” continued President Pelosi. “During his service, Father Pat fulfilled the call of Saint Ignatius of Loyola: ‘for the greatest glory of God’. His service has been a spiritual and moral anchor for members, basing our institution on the values of faith and country and reminding our members of our responsibilities to our great nation and constituents. All members wish Father Pat the best while he enjoys his well-deserved retirement from the home. “
Chad Pergram of Fox News contributed to this report.