Guest Post by Pro-life Leader Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life
In a notable development, the Religious Liberty Commission, a body established under President Trump, is set to hold its inaugural meeting on June 16 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. However, this announcement has prompted a swift reaction from the organization Freedom From Religion, which has declared its intent to “closely monitor” the proceedings of this meeting as well as future gatherings.
This response speaks volumes about the perceived necessity of the commission. For those who may be puzzled as to why a Religious Liberty Commission is essential, the answer is clear: the rights of religious individuals and communities in the United States have faced significant scrutiny and, at times, outright hostility.
Recent revelations have highlighted the extent of the FBI’s surveillance on “radical-traditionalist Catholics” under the Biden administration, a reality that has proven to be more alarming than initially reported. Our organization, Priests for Life, has initiated a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover further details about this troubling issue.
Media reports indicate that the memo targeting Catholics originated from the FBI’s Richmond, VA field office and was dismissed as a misguided initiative. However, it appears that this memo was disseminated to at least four other field offices and reviewed by over 1,000 FBI agents—a staggering number that raises serious questions about the motivations behind such actions.
This situation is nothing short of outrageous.
According to the Executive Order issued by the president on May 1, the commission will be tasked with identifying “current threats to domestic religious liberty,” crafting strategies to “preserve and enhance religious liberty protections for future generations,” and developing programs aimed at “celebrating America’s peaceful religious pluralism.”
Importantly, this commission is not merely a symbolic gesture. Its upcoming meeting is set to delve into practical steps for implementing its mission and reinforcing the foundations of religious liberty in the United States. I am honored to have accepted an invitation from the White House to participate in this pivotal event.
The commission boasts a diverse membership, including Catholics, evangelical Christians, a rabbi, and notable figures such as Eric Metaxas and Dr. Phil. Its advisory boards encompass additional religious leaders, including three more rabbis, two Muslims, and the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America. Among the lay advisory board members is Dr. Alveda King, a dedicated member of the Priests for Life Pastoral Team.
It comes as no surprise that mainstream media outlets have voiced criticism of the commission, yet the current climate in our nation clearly underscores the necessity of such a panel. Who could have imagined that the tragic events of October 7, 2023, marked by the massacre of Jews in Israel, would ignite nationwide protests advocating for the extermination of Jewish people?
The establishment of this commission is especially encouraging for those of us engaged in pro-life efforts. For many Christians, our advocacy for life is deeply rooted in faith. The presence of Christ invigorates our mission, and as we worship, we become more resilient and determined to make the sacrifices our cause demands.
During my outreach to voters in the recent elections, I emphasized that President Trump merits our support not only for his stances on various issues but also for his commitment to safeguarding the mechanisms that empower us to champion our beliefs. Foremost among these mechanisms is the principle of religious freedom.
As a staunch advocate for the First Amendment’s promise of religious liberty for all Americans, I vividly recall how the Obama administration sought to compel my organization, Priests for Life, to provide contraceptives and abortifacient drugs to our employees. We fought back with a legal challenge that ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
We emerged victorious, thanks in large part to President Trump’s support. Together, we remain vigilant and eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Religious Liberty Commission. I cannot predict how anti-religious activists plan to observe Monday’s meeting at the Museum of the Bible, but I can assure you that I will be seated front and center, ready to engage.
Pro-life Leader Frank Pavone is the National Director of Priests for Life and President of Prolife Vote.
