President Donald Trump has established a new Religious Liberty Commission, as announced on the National Day of Prayer. The commission will include Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron, among others. Its primary goal is to advise the President on religious freedom issues and to produce a report on religious liberty in America. The commission will focus on areas such as parental rights in religious education, school choice, and free speech for religious entities. This move highlights the administration's commitment to protecting religious freedoms for all faiths.
14 days ago
President Donald Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission through an executive order signed on the National Day of Prayer 1 2 4. The commission aims to safeguard and promote religious freedom 5. It was created amidst concerns about federal and state policies infringing upon religious rights 1 2.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron were appointed to serve on the commission 1 2 4 5. Bishop Barron expressed gratitude for the appointment and affirmed the importance of religious liberty 1 2 4 5. He intends to bring the perspective of Catholic social teaching to the commission's work 1 2 4 5.
The commission is tasked with producing a report on the foundations of religious liberty in America 1 2 4 5. It will also develop strategies to increase awareness of peaceful religious pluralism 1 2 4 5. 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 2 4 5. The commission will advise the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council 4.
Trump emphasized the importance of trusting in God and suggested potential legal challenges to the commission based on the separation of church and state 1 2. He stated his administration defends people of all faiths and their religious freedoms 4. Trump remarked, "We're bringing religion back to our country" 1 2.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will chair the commission, and Dr. Ben Carson will serve as vice chair 1 2 4. Other members include Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center; Pastor Paula White; Rev. Franklin Graham; and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw 1 2 4. Bishop Barron said he would model his service after Fr. Theodore Hesburgh 1 2 4 5.
While I cannot comment on specific political figures, I can share the Catholic Church's teaching on religious freedom.
In summary, the Catholic Church upholds religious freedom as a fundamental right grounded in human dignity. This right should be protected by law and exercised responsibly, with respect for the common good and the rights of others.