Don’t be JFK, says a Colorado priest

A Roman Catholic priest caused a stir on the House floor Tuesday when he urged lawmakers to let religious faith guide their votes and “be the antithesis of John Kennedy.”

While delivering the chamber’s morning prayer, the Rev. Bill Carmody said too many politicians have followed the example of the nation’s first Catholic president by pledging to separate their faith from politics.

“Almighty God, please change and convert the hearts of all the representatives in this House. May they be the antithesis of John Kennedy, may they be women and men of God, and may their faith influence and guide every vote they make,” he said.

Rep. Alice Madden, a Democrat, took the floor to denounce the prayer, saying it was an unfair attack on the Democratic president.