President Trump established a new Religious Liberty Commission via executive order. Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron will serve on the commission, advising on religious freedom issues. The commission's formation aligns with the administration's focus on religious freedom and aims to produce a report on the subject. The report will focus on areas such as school choice, parental rights, and conscience protections. The announcement took place during the National Day of Prayer.
11 days ago
President Donald Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission through an executive order signed on the National Day of Prayer 1. The commission's creation was announced in the White House Rose Garden during an interfaith event 1 3. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is credited with giving Trump the idea to create the commission 1.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, are among the prominent members appointed to the commission 1 3 4. Dan Patrick will serve as the chair, and Dr. Ben Carson as the vice chair 3. Other members include Ryan Anderson, Pastor Paula White, Franklin Graham, and Dr. Phil McGraw 1 3. Cardinal Dolan was absent from the announcement event as he was in Rome for the upcoming papal conclave 1 3.
The Religious Liberty Commission is tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America 1 3 4. It will also develop strategies to increase awareness of religious pluralism and address current threats to religious freedom 1 3 4. Key areas of focus include parental rights in religious education, school choice, conscience protections, free speech for religious entities, institutional autonomy, and attacks on houses of worship 1 4. The commission will advise the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council 3.
Bishop Barron expressed gratitude for his appointment and stated his intention to bring the perspective of Catholic social teaching to bear on the commission's work 1 4. He cited Fr. Theodore Hesburgh as a model for his service 1 4. Trump framed his administration as one that defends people of all faiths and their religious freedoms 3. He also alluded to potential lawsuits related to the separation of church and state 1.
The Religious Liberty Commission is part of the White House Faith Office, which was established earlier in the year 1 4. Trump also created the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias 1. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is another entity that addresses religious freedom issues 4.
While I do not have access to any information regarding President Trump forming a Religious Liberty Commission with Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Barron, I can share some information about the Catholic Church's stance on religious freedom.