President Donald Trump has established a White House Religious Liberty Commission to protect Americans from religious freedom infringements. 

The executive order, signed May 1 on the National Day of Prayer, emphasizes protecting “parental rights in religious education, school choice, conscience protections, attacks on houses of worship, free speech for religious entities, and institutional autonomy,” as stated by the fact sheet accompanying the order.

The measure was signed at a National Day of Prayer celebratory event in the White House Rose Garden.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will lead the committee. Dr. Ben Carson, former Trump secretary of Housing and Urban Development, will serve as vice chair.

Franklin Graham, CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, will serve as a committee member, as well as Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO of First Liberty Institute, a legal organization centered on protecting religious freedom. Other committee members include Paula White, Ryan Anderson, Bishop Robert Barron, Carrie Prejean Boller, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Allyson Ho, Dr. Phil McGraw, Eric Metaxas and Rabbi Meir Soloveichik.

Shackelford, in light of the cases First Liberty has fought for individuals facing religious freedom violations, celebrates the opportunity to serve in a new way.  

“I am incredibly honored to be selected to join such a prestigious group of leaders on the Commission in President Trump’s effort to protect religious liberty in our nation,” he said. “For too long, government officials have been hostile to expressions of faith despite First Liberty’s numerous victories at the Supreme Court. It will be a privilege to do everything we can to protect religious liberty and restore our First Freedom for all Americans.”

The committee is tasked with creating a comprehensive report regarding the foundations and impact of religious liberty on America’s society. Furthermore, it will examine current threats to national religious liberties and will consider strategies to preserve and extend such liberty for the future. The order calls for the establishment of programs that both “increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism.” The commission will also advise the White House Faith Office and Domestic Policy Council based on these activities.

The executive order also acknowledges the role of the early settlers who were persecuted in Europe and sought a world in which they could practice their faith without government intrusion.

The commission is set to end its work on July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.