State lawmaker resigns as House chaplain coordinator

Ponca City Now - April 13, 2018 3:39 pm

Rep. Chuck Strohm

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A Republican Oklahoma lawmaker who faced criticism from interfaith leaders for his handling of the state House’s visiting chaplain program says he is stepping down as the program’s coordinator.

Rep. Chuck Strohm of Jenks said in a statement Friday that, effective immediately, he is no longer serving in the role. He did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

Interfaith leaders chided Strohm for denying a House member’s request for a local Muslim imam to serve as the visiting minister in the House. Strohm then changed the rules of the program to allow only ministers from a member’s “own place of worship.”

Some House members said that denied non-Christians an opportunity to participate.

House Speaker Charles McCall later said he planned to change how the program was operated.

 

Latest Stories

Citizens Police Academy Applications Online

If true crime podcasts and reruns of Cops are no longer satisfying your curiosity, the Ponca...

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Honored

Former NOC Wrestling Coach Bob Zweiachar was honored Oct. 31 at the NOC-Trinidad (CO) wrestling match...

Oklahoma Slashes Developmental Disabilities Waitlist From 13 Years to Two

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA — The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced the reduction of the Developmental Disabilities...