Barker argued he was denied the opportunity to give an opening invocation in Congress while other guest chaplains were allowed to do so. U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer said in her decision that House rules didn't allow Barker to lead the prayer because he had left his faith.

Collyer also pointed out opening prayer has been a part of Congress for more than two centuries and it doesn't conflict with the establishment clause according to the United States Supreme Court.

House Speaker Paul Ryan was quick to applaud the decision.

"Since the first session of the Continental Congress, our nation's legislature has opened with a prayer to God. Today, that tradition was upheld and the freedom to exercise religion was vindicated. The court rightfully dismissed the claims of an atheist that he had the right to deliver a secular invocation in place of the opening prayer," Ryan said.

"Recently, especially following the return of Majority Whip Steve Scalise, this institution has been reminded about the power of prayer. I commend the District Court for its decision, and I am grateful that the People's House can continue to begin its work each day as we have for centuries: taking a moment to pray to God," Ryan concluded.

Scalise also responded to the decision on Twitter saying, "Our rights come from God, so it's only fitting that the House begins each day united in prayer."

Barker says Collyer's decision was tainted by her "personal bias against nonreligious people." Collyer was appointed to the court under President George W. Bush.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

'I Wouldn't Let Fear Conquer Me': the Flying Wallenda Siblings' Powerful Message 25 Stories above Times Square

"Peace to Prosperity": White House Reveals Mideast Economic Peace Plan

'Synonymous with Opportunity in Short and Long Term': Mexico becomes First Country to Approve USMCA

Christian Scouts Banned from Tour of Pennsylvania National Guard Because of Religious Beliefs

California Pastors Mount Fierce Opposition to Governor Newsome's Abortion Declaration

The Incredible Story of Abraham Lincoln's Journey from Atheist to Devout Christian: How War and Death Changed Him

HEALTH: Turmeric Proven to "Inhibit Bone Cancer Cells While Promoting Growth of Healthy Bone Cells"

This Church Transformed Their County Jail by Bringing Worship to Inmates: "Entire Culture of the Jail Has Shifted"

Jesus Appears to Entire Group of 72 Christians About to be Killed: The Incredible Miracle That Followed is Right Out of the Acts of the Apostles

"It's Real": The Amazing Tattoo Story About Heaven and Life After Death That's Going Viral

Seeing My Baby's Spine on an Ultrasound Was a Game Changer

Court Rules Trump Administration Can Ax Planned Parenthood Funding by as Much as $60 Million

"Not Proportionate": President Trump Orders Military Strike on Iran but Calls It Off at the Last Minute

Burgess Owens on Reparations: 'How About the Democratic Party Pay for All the Misery It Brought to My Race?'

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: The Group Connecting Imprisoned Moms with Their Girls

Georgia Governor Signs Law Allowing Church, Schools, to Form Their Own Police Forces: A Model for America?

'Stronger Together with Christ': FBI Hosts Multi-Faith Round-table

Abraham Lincoln's Bible Surfaces: "Best Gift God Has Given to Man. But for It, We Would Not Know Right from Wrong"

Canada: Little Girl Traumatized as School Teaches 6-Year-Olds 'There Is No Such Thing as Girls and Boys'

'Answer to My Prayers': Teen Mom Who Chose to Give Her Baby a Family through Adoption Is Now Helping Other Mothers Make This Life-giving Decision

To Order by Phone Call: 1-866-354-5245 (1-541-926-3250 outside the U.S.)