The inaugural meeting of the Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty took place on June 16, 2025, at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. This significant gathering, chaired by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, aimed to address the pressing issues surrounding religious freedom in the United States. The commission is a response to growing concerns about the challenges faced by religious groups in a society increasingly influenced by secularism.
During the meeting, Patrick emphasized the dual role of the commission: to advise the president and to report on its findings, which will guide future actions on religious liberty. He passionately urged the panel to “contend earnestly for religious liberty,” reflecting a commitment to uphold the foundational principles that allow individuals to worship freely without government interference.
The panel featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including former U.S. Housing Secretary Dr. Ben Carson and renowned TV host Phil McGraw. Their insights, along with contributions from legal experts and faith leaders, underscored the vital importance of religious liberty in American life. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed this sentiment, reminding attendees that the Founding Fathers envisioned a nation where every individual could worship freely, without fear of coercion.
Mark Rienzi, a law professor at The Catholic University of America, provided compelling testimony regarding the historical significance of religious freedom. He pointed out that the focus of religious liberty discussions has shifted over time. While past debates often centered on intra-religious conflicts, the current landscape sees a growing threat from secular groups aiming to suppress religious expression. “It’s now more often anti or irreligious folks who want to wield the government to stamp out views that are wrong,” Rienzi stated, highlighting a shift in the dynamics of religious freedom advocacy.
Gerald Bradley, a law professor at Notre Dame, shared insights from James Madison’s writings, particularly his 1785 pamphlet opposing a tax for ministers. Bradley referred to this document as the “Magna Carta of American religious liberty,” emphasizing that religious freedom is not merely a right but a duty to the Creator. “Central to religion is one’s conscientiously judging what is the case about ultimate matters and then acting accordingly,” Bradley argued, reinforcing the need for freedom from coercion.
Paula White-Cain, who leads the White House Faith Office, raised alarms about the diverse threats to religious liberty today. She cited alarming instances of individuals losing their jobs due to their faith and religious organizations facing financial discrimination. “Employees have been fired over their faith. Religious entities have been de-banked, parental rights have been violated,” she noted, illustrating the urgent need for protective measures.
In contrast, the secular group Americans United for Separation of Church and State criticized the commission’s motives, claiming it promotes Christian nationalism rather than genuine religious liberty. CEO Rachel Laser argued that the commission’s composition and location reflected a bias towards white Christians, suggesting that the government is favoring a particular belief system.
The commission, established by an executive order from President Donald Trump, is set to hold up to nine hearings through 2026 to gather data and formulate long-term strategies to safeguard religious liberty for all Americans. This initiative represents a significant effort to address the evolving landscape of religious expression in the U.S. and to ensure that freedom of belief remains a cornerstone of American democracy.
As the discussion around religious liberty continues, it is crucial for all stakeholders—whether religious or secular—to engage in constructive dialogue. The future of religious freedom in America depends on our collective ability to uphold the rights of all individuals to express their beliefs without fear of reprisal. For more information on the commission and its initiatives, you can visit the U.S. Department of Justice website.