On June 16, 2025, the newly formed Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Donald Trump to advise him on issues of faith, conscience, and law, convened its inaugural hearing at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The meeting brought together notable religious leaders, legal scholars, and cultural figures who underscored the commission’s critical role in defending religious freedom for all Americans. Despite controversy and skepticism surrounding the commission, its existence underscores the vital need for thoughtful discussion on preserving religious liberty in an increasingly secular society.
The Commission Members and Their Roles
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick chairs the commission, with Dr. Ben Carson, former HUD Secretary and renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, serving as vice chair. Carson opened the hearing by emphasizing the spiritual roots of morality and its fundamental role in national unity and personal rights. Other prominent members include Pastor Paula White-Cain, President Trump’s key faith advisor, psychologist and TV host Dr. Phil McGraw, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik of America’s oldest Jewish congregation, and constitutional scholars Ryan T. Anderson and Kelly Shackelford. Although Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Pastor Franklin Graham, and author Eric Metaxas could not attend, they remain active members committed to guiding the commission’s future efforts.
Key Issues Discussed
The commission’s first hearing addressed foundational issues concerning religious freedom, particularly the historical and constitutional basis of religious liberty in America. Legal experts and scholars referenced significant historical documents, including George Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport and James Madison’s Memorial and Remonstrance, both celebrated as critical affirmations of religious pluralism and conscience rights. Mark Rienzi, president of the Becket Fund and professor at The Catholic University of America, highlighted the current threats to religious liberty, particularly from secularist groups employing government mechanisms to silence religious voices. Rienzi noted, “These days, frankly, I don’t think it so much comes from religious people trying to use government to stamp out people with unpopular views…I think it’s now more often anti or irreligious folks who want to wield the government to stamp out views that are wrong” (Christian Post).
Georgetown Law professor Stephanie Barclay, South Texas College of Law’s Josh Blackman, and Alliance Defending Freedom’s Kristen Waggoner were among the legal experts criticizing recent judicial rulings. They argued that decisions like Employment Division v. Smith, which diminished protections for religious exercise, and the confusing Lemon Test from Lemon v. Kurtzman, have undermined the clear constitutional intent to protect religious liberty. They advocated for the Supreme Court to establish a stronger standard protecting religious exercise from governmental interference.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite its noble mission, the commission faced criticism from secular organizations such as Americans United for Separation of Church and State, whose CEO, Rachel Laser, accused the commission of promoting “Christian nationalism” rather than genuine religious freedom. Laser objected particularly to the venue choice—the Museum of the Bible—claiming it showed a governmental bias toward Christianity. However, commission members clarified their aim is to protect religious liberties universally and emphasize the necessity of faith in public life, regardless of denomination or creed (Juicy Ecumenism).
Importance of Religious Liberty in Public Discourse
A recurring theme throughout the hearing was the affirmation that religious liberty is not merely a private concern but a foundational public good. As expressed by Notre Dame Law professor emeritus Gerard Bradley, religion is essential because it “supplies the ground for virtue, and virtue for freedom.” Barbara Elliott, Fellow at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, further highlighted how faith-based organizations effectively serve communities due to their inherent spiritual elements, emphasizing that these should not be suppressed by secular policy.
Outcomes and Future Expectations
Commission Chair Dan Patrick outlined the panel’s primary responsibilities, advising and reporting directly to the president, and explicitly emphasized that the commission’s recommendations would help guide governmental actions to enhance religious freedom nationwide. With plans for up to nine additional hearings through 2026, the commission aims to develop robust strategies and recommendations to protect religious liberty for all Americans.
Conclusion
Despite criticisms and potential imperfections, President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission has undertaken a vital and timely mission: safeguarding religious freedom and restoring respectful public discourse about faith. In doing so, it reaffirms America’s foundational commitment to allowing citizens of all beliefs to exercise their faith freely and publicly. If successful, the commission’s work could reinvigorate the nation’s understanding of religious liberty as a cornerstone of democracy and civil society.
Steve Bowcut is an award-winning journalist. He is an editor and writer for Religious Freedom Under Fire as well as other security and non-security online publications. Follow and connect with Steve on Twitter, Substack, and Facebook.
