A social media post by Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) caused an uproar on Friday after she expressed outrage over a Sikh prayer delivered in the U.S. House of Representatives, apparently mistaking the faith of the chaplain involved. Miller posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying it was “deeply troubling that a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning,” adding, “This should never have been allowed to happen.” She continued, “America was founded as a Christian nation, and I believe our government should reflect that truth, not drift further from it. May God have mercy!”
The comment was accompanied by a photo of the guest chaplain wearing a yellow turban, who was later identified as Giani Surinder Singh from the Gurdwara South Jersey Sikh Society in Vineland, New Jersey. Singh, a Sikh religious leader, had been invited to offer the traditional opening prayer before the House session, a custom regularly observed with representatives inviting faith leaders from various religious backgrounds.
Despite the prayer being delivered by a Sikh, Miller’s initial post inaccurately identified him as Muslim, drawing immediate bipartisan backlash. After some time, Miller edited her post to replace the word “Muslim” with “Sikh” but ultimately deleted the post altogether. Her office has not issued a public response or comment addressing the matter or the confusion behind it.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had officially introduced Singh at the start of the session. Singh’s prayer emphasized unity and peace, underscoring values that transcend religious boundaries. “Almighty God… we call you by many names, sir. But you are one. Keep your divine hand over the members of this House… Keep truth on our tongues, sir, love in our hearts, and sound judgment in our minds. Remind us, sir, of our purpose: To love and serve one another and create a more peaceful world. We ask you for blessings unto all leaders, sir, and their work for the common good. Give all who govern this land humility and courage, integrity and compassion,” Singh said. He further added, “Help us remember that we belong to one family.”
Continuing with his message of peace and gratitude, Singh also honored those who protect the nation. “We ask for the almighty also to keep watch over our nation’s protectors who work tirelessly day and night to ensure our safety and our freedom,” he prayed.
Miller’s remarks were not only inaccurate but also struck a nerve with lawmakers across the aisle. Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) voiced his concern publicly, stating on X, “Throughout the country — and in the Central Valley — Sikh-Americans are valued and respected members of our communities, yet they continue to face harassment and discrimination.” Valadao’s post highlighted the broader issue of ongoing bias against Sikh individuals, who are often incorrectly associated with other religious groups due to their distinct appearance, particularly the turban.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) added a more measured perspective, emphasizing the nation’s religious roots while calling for tolerance. “While yes, we are a nation rooted in Judeo-Christian values and our laws reflect that, we are also a nation that recognizes we are all God’s children and whatever our differences, we can and should respect differences of faith,” he wrote in response to Miller’s now-deleted statement.
Democrats responded with stronger language, criticizing both the inaccuracy of Miller’s statement and its implications. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) addressed Miller’s justification that the U.S. is a Christian nation by invoking the U.S. Constitution. “Our country was founded on the Constitution — which happens to care enough about freedom of religion that it’s in the very first amendment,” Escobar posted. She went on to say, “Not only is this racist, it dishonors the ‘founding document’ you referenced.”
Miller’s remarks reflect a misunderstanding not just of the individual involved but also of the longstanding tradition in the U.S. Congress to honor and include diverse religious voices. Guest chaplains of various faiths have regularly opened congressional sessions with prayer. This includes not only Christians and Jews but also Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and others. In fact, shortly after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, a Muslim chaplain was invited to offer a prayer and read from the Quran on the House floor.
Howard Mortman, author of When Rabbis Bless Congress, a book that documents the contributions of Jewish leaders in congressional prayers, noted that this diversity is deeply rooted in American legislative history. “Historically, inviting guest chaplains to open House and Senate sessions in prayer allows Congress to showcase the diversity of religions in America. It shows that we live in a multi-faith society — with no established state religion. Many different religions have been represented by clergymembers praying in Congress. Hundreds of rabbis, for instance — going back to 1860,” Mortman said.
Miller’s post and the mistaken identity of the Sikh prayer leader not only sparked political outcry but also shed light on the continuing challenges faced by Sikh-Americans, who often confront religious discrimination and stereotyping. The yellow turban worn by Singh, which is a traditional part of Sikh religious attire, was misinterpreted by Miller as a symbol of another faith, leading to a misinformed reaction that failed to recognize the unique traditions of Sikhism.
In the United States, the Sikh community has been active and present for over a century. Despite this long-standing presence, the community frequently finds itself at the center of cultural misunderstandings. The backlash against Miller’s comment illustrates the need for better religious literacy and awareness among public officials, especially those responsible for shaping policy and public discourse.
In recent years, Sikh leaders and advocacy groups have worked to educate the public and lawmakers about Sikhism — a religion founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century — and its key tenets of equality, service, and devotion to one God. Singh’s prayer, emphasizing love, truth, and unity, reflected these core values.
While Miller has not clarified the motivations or assumptions behind her original statement, the swift criticism and deletion of her post demonstrate that such religious intolerance — especially when rooted in factual inaccuracy — is unlikely to go unnoticed in today’s political climate.
The incident has reignited discussions about religious freedom and representation within the highest levels of government. It has also served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the diverse fabric of American society and upholding the principles of inclusion that are enshrined in the nation’s founding documents.
Despite the brief firestorm, Singh’s peaceful words remained: a call for love, service, and the pursuit of a more harmonious world.