Justice Department hosts first hearing of commission on religious liberty

WASHINGTON—Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Monday morning chaired the first hearing of the White House Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible. Members heard testimony from conservative academics, historians, and legal experts on the importance and history of religious liberty in the United States.

What was discussed? Commission members said during opening remarks that the United States was founded on Christian principles that should be upheld, while also preserving religious liberty for other faiths. They also asked witnesses whether the establishment clause has been twisted to oppress Christians and whether the courts have worked against religious liberty. Witnesses Mark Rienzi of the Becket Fund and Notre Dame professor Gerard Bradley said courts have an important role to play but that several rulings, even from the Supreme Court, fail to adequately protect Christian expression. Commission members repeatedly asked legal scholars whether they would recommend certain legal precedents be overturned. While Rienzi and Bradley did not cite any specific cases, they did say the Supreme Court makes secular-based decisions, in their opinions.

What is the commission? President Donald Trump ordered the creation of the commission in May to explore ways that the government can uphold freedom of religion from government interference. At Monday’s hearing, Attorney General Pamela Bondi insisted this freedom was under assault during the Biden administration. The commission is an effort of the White House Faith Office, headed up by Paula White-Cain, a pastor from Florida and one of Trump’s faith advisers. The commission is formally housed within the Justice Department and is tasked with delivering a report of recommendations to Trump.

Dig deeper: Read my report on White-Cain and how the Trump administration has reworked the traditional faith liaison office.