(ChurchLeaders) Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) has pushed back on criticism he received after ending his opening prayer before Congress Sunday with the phrase, “Amen and awoman.” Cleaver, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, said his purpose in saying, “awoman,” was to honor the women serving in the 117th Congress.
“I concluded with a lighthearted pun in recognition of the record number of women who will be representing the American people in Congress during this term as well as in recognition of the first female chaplain of the House of Representatives whose service commenced this week,” Cleaver told The Kansas City Star. “I personally find these historic occasions to be blessings from God for which I am grateful.”