ארה"ב: הוועדה לחופש דת קיימה דיון ראשון בהובלת בכירים בממשל

The executive branch's Religious Liberty Commission held a hearing today to discuss how religious liberty and the faith of the American people has been paramount to America's success since our nation's founding. NTD's Arlene Richards has some of the highlights. President Donald Trump last month established the Religious Liberty Commission to reignite religious freedom in America. On Monday, the commission, which serves under the Department of Justice, held its first hearing. Attorney General Pam Bondi applauded the commission for taking on the president's vision. On May 1st, President Trump took bold action and signed an executive order establishing the Religious Liberty Commission. President Trump's action reaffirmed our nation's enduring commitment to the freedoms of our founders. It reminded us that faith was not built into the that faith was built into the foundation of our nation's founding documents. There was no mistake when it was included in the First Amendment. Our founding fathers understood that every individual must be free to worship without fear, without coercion, and without government interference. In his executive order that established the commission, Trump said one of the commission's duties would be to recommend steps to secure domestic religious liberty by executive or legislative actions. Distinguished guests presented at the hearing on various topics like the right way to promote religion. Is it possible for the government to promote religion without infringing upon the rights of others? Former law professor Gerard Bailey drew upon the writings of founder James Madison for his answer. We should come to recognize religion as a common good, even if not everybody's religious. And even if some people, maybe they're not religious, don't think religion is a common good. And as the founders most certainly did think, and I think, having a religious and virtuous citizenry is good for everybody, frankly even people who lack virtue and don't believe in religion. He said he personally doesn't think God wants people to worship because that's what's done around here. Several other witnesses spoke on the founders' vision for religious freedom, the intended meaning of the establishment clause of the Constitution, and the court's responsibility to make changes. The commission is chaired by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and former Secretary of Housing Dr. Ben Carson. It also has three advisory boards composed of religious leaders, legal experts, and lay leaders. Arlene Richards, NTD News.