President Trump is addressing the White House Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
Trump’s visit aims to emphasize its commitment to defending religious liberty.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement, “The previous administration abused the federal government’s power to interfere with Americans’ First Amendment right to religious freedom. They even used the Department of Justice to target peaceful people of faith, specifically Christians.
“This is exactly why President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission to stop the emerging threats against Americans’ inalienable right to practice their religion freely.
“President Trump is the greatest defender for people of faith in modern history and will continue to protect and promote America’s founding principle of religious freedom.”
Ahead of Trump’s appearance at the meeting, the chairman of the Religious Liberty Commission, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, said Trump’s support of religious liberty is historically important. He said prayer was once a protected right, but that right was degraded over time. He applauded Trump for stating that religious liberty needed to return to the nation.
Trump was applauded for being the first president to establish a faith office at the White House, and for using Jesus’ name repeatedly in his official statements.
The Presidential Religious Liberty Commission is vice-chaired by Dr. Ben Carson. Other designated members include Bishop Robert Barron, Carrie Prejean Boller, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Pastor Franklin Graham, Allyson Ho, Dr. Phil McGraw, Eric Metaxas, Kelly Shackelford, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Pastor Paula White, Ryan T. Anderson, and Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, among others. The commission’s role is to advise the White House on religious liberty policies, both domestically and internationally.
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h/t: The Hill
