A new commission dedicated to religious liberty in the United States has been established under the leadership of Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Officially announced on May 1, 2025, the commission aims to explore and promote policies that protect religious freedoms across the nation. The initiative comes in response to what Patrick describes as a pressing need to address the concerns of many Christians who feel their rights have been undermined in recent years.
The formation of the Religious Liberty Commission was inspired by a conversation between Patrick and President-elect Donald J. Trump shortly after the November 2024 elections. During a meeting in New York, Trump expressed his priorities for his upcoming administration, which prompted Patrick to propose the establishment of a commission involving faith leaders and legal experts to address religious issues. “This is the perfect time to talk about this issue,” Patrick recalled telling Trump, who agreed to the plan.
The commission, consisting of a maximum of 17 members, primarily features individuals from Texas and is tasked with making recommendations on how to safeguard religious liberties leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Patrick, a self-identified political conservative and author of a book encouraging Bible reading, emphasized the importance of public hearings to educate citizens about their religious rights.
Among the topics discussed are questions surrounding prayer in schools, the display of religious symbols at work, and community standards for religious expression. Patrick stated, “What rights do they have?” highlighting the need for clarity around religious freedoms in various public settings.
The commission’s upcoming public hearing, originally scheduled for November 17 in Dallas, will focus on religious oppression and persecution experienced at the local government and military levels. Although delayed due to a government shutdown, the hearing is expected to showcase testimonies from individuals sharing their experiences with religious discrimination.
The commission is also supported by three advisory boards composed of religious leaders, lay leaders, and legal experts. Notable figures include Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church and Alveda King, niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. These panels are designed to address concerns raised during the commission’s hearings and contribute to its mission.
Texas has a historical reputation for intertwining faith and politics, with numerous influential figures advocating for a Christian foundation in national policies. This environment has led to significant legislative actions, such as the recent push to require the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools and the removal of LGBTQ+ supportive symbols in public spaces.
Critics of the commission argue that its composition primarily reflects evangelical Christian perspectives, raising concerns about the lack of representation for other faiths and the non-religious population. Americans United for the Separation of Church and State has publicly denounced the commission as an effort to prioritize one version of Christianity over others. The organization warns that this could infringe upon the rights of those who wish to remain free from religious imposition.
The discussion surrounding the commission underscores broader national debates about the interpretation of religious liberty and the First Amendment. Some scholars, such as Judd Birdsall from Georgetown University, recognize the value of promoting religious freedom but criticize the commission’s lack of diversity and potential to deepen societal divisions.
As the commission prepares for its next steps, Patrick remains optimistic about its impact. He affirms that the commission’s efforts will benefit all faiths, stating, “The free exercise of religion is not just limited to Christians; it’s to people of all faiths.” The administration’s aim is to document instances of religious discrimination and develop practical solutions to ensure the protection of religious rights.
With Texas’s significant political and cultural influence, the commission’s work may resonate beyond state lines, potentially shaping national discussions on religious liberty. As Patrick noted, “Texas is at the forefront of this,” suggesting that the outcomes of this initiative could set important precedents for religious policies across the United States.
