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Commission member says new panel will 'secure religious freedom,' alleges FBI spied on Catholic church
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Summary
A commission member outlined plans for a new religious liberty commission, saying it will gather data and hold public hearings; the speaker alleged government and local actions have threatened religious freedom, including an assertion that the FBI "would spy on our traditional Catholic church."
A commission member said a new panel tasked with protecting religious liberty will gather data, conduct legal analysis and hold public hearings to "secure religious freedom for future generations," describing recent incidents the speaker said showed a need for the effort.
"Religious liberty is the bedrock of the founding of our country," the speaker said, arguing that houses of worship, employees and religious entities have faced attacks, firings and banking restrictions. The speaker added that "President Trump has tasked the White House faith office" and said the administration is committed to enforcing federal laws protecting religious liberty.
The speaker cited several specific claims as examples of perceived infringements: that President Trump "would have to pardon 23 pro lifers for standing outside of an abortion clinic and praying silently," that the Federal Bureau of Investigation "would spy on our traditional Catholic church," and that a coach had to "fight all the way up to the Supreme Court to silently pray." Each of those examples was presented by the speaker as evidence of a broader pattern of threats to religious freedom.
The speaker said the commission would take a multi-step approach, including gathering data, "conduct[ing] legal analysis" and holding public hearings to "capture the stories of everyday Americans related to religious liberty," with the aim of producing a comprehensive assessment and long-term strategies.
The speech did not record any formal votes, motions or responses from other officials in the transcript provided. The speaker framed the effort as part of the administration's work through the White House faith office and said the commission will support enforcement of existing federal protections.
The commission member said the work will include public hearings and data collection but did not provide a timetable, membership list or specific statutory authorities that would govern the commission's work.
