Background: Religious Liberty Commission

President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission through an executive order on May 1 2. The commission is tasked with advising the Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council 1. It will produce a comprehensive report on religious liberty in America 1. This report will cover the foundations of religious liberty, strategies to increase awareness of religious pluralism, current threats to religious liberty, and strategies to enhance protections for future generations 1 2. Key areas of focus include school choice and conscience protections 1 2. The commission aims to address concerns that federal and state policies have infringed upon religious rights 2.

Cordileone's Appointment and Statement

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco has been appointed to the advisory board of the Religious Liberty Commission 2 3. Cordileone stated that religious liberty is a critical issue and he is happy to provide a Catholic voice on the topic 1 2 3. He does not yet know the specific tasks of the advisory board but aims to ensure the Church's concerns are heard 2 3.

Catholic Concerns and Focus Areas

Cordileone has noted several attacks on religious liberty, including the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate 2 3. He also opposes potential insurance coverage mandates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) 2 3. He raised concerns about a Washington state law that could force priests to violate the seal of confession 2 3. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating this law 2 3. Cordileone emphasized the need for religious organizations to serve the community without government interference and in accordance with their moral values 2 3. The USCCB's 2025 report highlighted concerns such as the targeting of faith-based immigration services, antisemitic incidents, IVF coverage mandates, gender ideology in law, and parental choice in education 1.

Other Appointments and Commission Composition

Three U.S. Catholic bishops and a parish priest were appointed to the advisory board 1. These include Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort-Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, and Father Thomas Ferguson 1. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, are also members of the commission 1 2 3. Other commission members include Protestant leaders like Pastor Paula White, rabbis, imams, Ethics and Public Policy Center President Ryan Anderson, Dr. Phil McGraw, and Dr. Ben Carson 2 3. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick serves as the commission's chairman 2 3. The administration also named six legal advisors, including Gerard Bradley and Francis Beckwith, and nine lay leader advisors 1.