Conservatives Slam Democrat's 'Awoman' Phrase In Congress' Opening Prayer

Democrat Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri sparked a national conversation Sunday after concluding the 117th Congress’ opening prayer with “amen and awoman.”

Cleaver appeared to be making a humorous attempt to be gender-neutral. Instead, it left some confused and wondering about his intentions.

“We ask it in the name of the monotheistic God, Brahma, and 'god' known by many names by many different faiths. Amen and Awoman,” said Cleaver to end the prayer. Cleaver is an ordained Methodist minister.

Prayers typically end with the Latin term, “Amen,” which means “so be it.”

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., and other conservatives took the opportunity to slam the phrase.

President Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., also weighed in. He misspelled the word "priest."

“I am deeply disappointed that my prayer has been misinterpreted and misconstrued by some to fit a narrative that stokes resentment and greater division among portions of our population," Cleaver told CBS News in a statement.

Cleaver said his "amen and awoman" line was a "light-hearted pun."

"I believe prayers to be a personal conversation between El Shaddai and the invocator. With this conversation, in the presence of the 117th House of Representatives, I concluded with a light-hearted 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. I personally find these historic occasions to be blessings from God for which I am grateful."

Cleaver also took to Twitter to address his prayer.

"I was honored to deliver the opening prayer for the 117th Congress," Cleaver post in a tweet. "May God bless each and every Representative with the courage and wisdom to defend our democracy and the liberties we all hold so dearly."