President Trump has established a Religious Liberty Commission uniting top Catholic, Jewish, and evangelical leaders to defend faith against what he calls the “radical left’s war on religion.”
At a Glance
- Trump signed an executive order May 1 creating a multi-faith Religious Liberty Commission.
- Catholic bishops including Cardinal Dolan, Bishop Barron, and Archbishop Cordileone join the panel.
- Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick chairs the group, with Dr. Ben Carson serving as vice chair.
- The commission will advise on conscience rights, free speech, education, and faith-based institutional autonomy.
Rebuilding Faith Protections
In a bold move welcomed by religious leaders, President Trump signed an executive order at a White House Rose Garden ceremony on May 1, launching a sweeping Religious Liberty Commission to protect the constitutional rights of religious Americans.
“In comments at the event, Trump sought to cast his administration as one defending ‘people of all faiths, their religious freedoms, at home and abroad,’” reported the Diocese of Scranton. The announcement follows growing concern from faith groups about Biden-era mandates on religious conscience issues—from health insurance to speech on marriage and gender.
Watch a report: Trump Announces Religious Liberty Commission
Powerhouse Leadership Across Faith Lines
The commission includes three advisory boards of religious clergy, legal scholars, and lay leaders from various traditions. It’s chaired by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, with Dr. Ben Carson as vice chair. Key advisors include Kristen Waggoner, Alveda King, and Alliance
Defending Freedom’s Ryan Tucker.
Among the commission’s clergy are Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop Thomas Paprocki, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. Each has played a leading role in defending religious liberty in public life, including litigation, education reform, and resisting restrictions on religious institutions.
In a post on X, Bishop Barron wrote, “I am grateful to President Trump for appointing me to serve on the Commission on Religious Liberty.”
Shielding Religion from State Overreach
The commission’s focus includes protecting clergy confidentiality, resisting laws compelling hospitals to perform gender surgeries, and defending parental rights in education. According to Catholic News Agency, members expressed their hope that the commission’s launch would influence policy leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
One bishop noted the commission “is extremely welcomed by our Church,” viewing it as a necessary bulwark against what many describe as mounting government hostility toward public faith.
The Trump vs. Biden Divide
While Biden’s DOJ continues to prosecute pro-life activists and enforce mandates that violate religious conscience, Trump is building what he calls a “faith firewall.” This sharp contrast has become a defining line in the 2024 political landscape.
By formalizing an interfaith council of legal and spiritual leaders, Trump is signaling to religious Americans that their rights extend beyond worship services. The commission’s structure echoes his previous White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, but with broader institutional muscle and direct policy engagement.
The Religious Liberty Commission’s work could soon redefine how religious freedom is interpreted, defended, and legislated in a political era increasingly polarized over faith in the public square.
