Appointment of Archbishop Cordileone

U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone to the advisory board of the newly established Religious Liberty Commission 1 2. Cordileone's appointment, announced by the Archdiocese, marks him as the third member of the Catholic hierarchy to join the commission 1 2. Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron are also members 1 2.

Mandate of the Religious Liberty Commission

Established through an executive order on May 1st, coinciding with the National Day of Prayer, the commission is tasked with creating a report on current threats to religious freedom in the United States 1 2. The commission will also provide strategies to improve legal protections for religious rights 1 2. The report will outline the foundations of religious liberty and offer guidance on raising awareness about peaceful religious pluralism 1 2. Key areas of focus include parental rights in education, school choice, conscience protections, free speech for religious bodies, institutional autonomy, and attacks on houses of worship 1 2. The commission comprises a diverse group of religious leaders, including Protestant pastors, rabbis, and imams, alongside figures like Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Ben Carson 1 2. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will chair the commission 1 2.

Cordileone's Concerns and Objectives

Archbishop Cordileone stated that religious liberty is a critical issue needing defense and attention 1 2. He expressed his desire to contribute a Catholic perspective at the national level 1 2. Cordileone aims to ensure the Church's concerns are heard on the advisory board 1 2. He highlighted past and present threats to religious liberty, citing the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate and a Washington state law that challenges the seal of confession 1 2. Cordileone also voiced opposition to potential insurance coverage mandates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) 1 2. He emphasized the importance of allowing religious organizations to serve the community without government interference, upholding their moral values derived from their faith 1 2.