New Religious Liberty Commission Aims to Safeguard Faith-Based Freedoms in the U.S.
A recent executive order by President Donald Trump has led to the creation of a Religious Liberty Commission, aimed at enhancing safeguards against new challenges to the United States’ tradition of faith-based freedoms.
The executive order highlights the nation’s foundational ideals and the early settlers’ pursuit of religious freedom, emphasizing that people should practice their faith without fear of discrimination or government intervention.
President Trump remarked, “In recent years, some federal, state, and local policies have threatened America’s unique and beautiful tradition of religious liberty.”
He further commented on how these policies have attempted to undermine conscience protections, restricted parental choices of religious education, and threatened the funding or tax status of faith-based organizations.
Comprising 14 members, the commission will explore challenges to religious rights, suggest legislative or executive solutions, and aim to rejuvenate the role of faith in American civic life.
The commission will include representatives from religious communities, education, state leadership, and private sectors, supported by advisory boards of faith leaders, laypeople, and legal experts to provide diverse insights.
Among the key issues, the Commission will focus on defending the First Amendment rights of pastors, students, and religious institutions, as well as addressing governmental threats to the tax-exempt status of faith-based entities.
Additionally, it will look into protecting parental rights to religious education, conscience rights in healthcare and employment, and the presence of public religious displays and voluntary prayer in schools.
The commission’s findings are expected to be compiled into a detailed report by July 4, 2026, aligning with America’s 250th anniversary. The report will evaluate the history and current state of religious liberty, proposing strategic measures to bolster these freedoms domestically and internationally.
This executive action reflects a proactive federal approach to religious freedom amid ongoing debates about religion’s role in public life.
President Trump asserted that this move reinforces the First Amendment’s assurance of religious freedom and acknowledges the significant contributions of faith communities throughout U.S. history.
Quoting President Ronald Reagan, Trump stated, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” underscoring the need for Americans to reconnect with the nation’s religious freedom legacy to protect it from emerging threats.
He emphasized that the federal government will promote pride in foundational history, recognize emerging threats to religious liberty, uphold laws that ensure full participation in a pluralistic democracy, and protect the free exercise of religion.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
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