President Donald Trump chose the 2017 celebration of the National Day of Prayer to sign an executive order strengthening religious freedom.
The Religious Liberty Executive Order received mixed reviews, but most evangelicals believe it is a good first step in the process.
“We will not allow people of faith to be targeted, bullied or silenced again and we will never stand for religious discrimination,” President Trump said at a ceremony in the Rose Garden.
Paul Weber, president and CEO of Family Policy Alliance, was cautiously optimistic.
“The previous Administration’s hostility toward the right to freely live out one’s faith was no secret,” he explained. “American employers and even faith-based charities were forced to choose between their faith and contributing to the good of our country’s economy and welfare.
“President Trump must continue to work to protect religious freedom. Family Policy Alliance and our network of 40 state-based family policy councils will work with families across the country to restore a nation where religious freedom flourishes.”
The National Day of Prayer Proclamation further supported President’s campaign promises to strengthen religious freedom. It’s one of the strongest proclamations we’ve seen for nearly a decade:
“We are also reminded and reaffirm that all human beings have the right, not only to pray and worship according to their consciences, but to practice their faith in their homes, schools, charities, and businesses – in private and in the public square – free from government coercion, discrimination, or persecution. Religion is not merely an intellectual exercise, but also a practical one that demands action in the world. Even the many prisoners around the world who are persecuted for their faith can pray privately in their cells. But our Constitution demands more: the freedom to practice one’s faith publicly.”
TAKE ACTION
Thank the President and Vice President for taking this important first step in protecting religious freedom.
