September 30, 2025
Web desk
The Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Commission met for the third time on September 29 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, focusing on the role of religion in America’s schools. The commission, created by President Donald Trump earlier this year, is tasked with drafting recommendations on how to safeguard religious freedom. While big names like Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron are on the panel, they did not attend this session.
A key theme was prayer in public schools. Trump has already promised new federal guidance protecting the right to prayer, though details remain unclear. Hannah Ruth Earl, the Department of Education’s faith director, told the commission the administration’s goal is to return education decisions to the states while preparing for the possible closure of the department itself.
Witnesses also shared personal experiences. Former high school football coach Joe Kennedy spoke about his long legal battle over post-game prayers, a case the Supreme Court ruled in his favor in 2022. Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett criticized laws that bar religious charter schools, pointing to the blocked effort to launch St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School in Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Father Robert Sirico from Michigan warned that private schools should not be forced to compromise their faith-based missions.
The session also carried a somber tone as faith leaders remembered victims of recent mass shootings at houses of worship, as well as conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this month. Evangelical pastor Jentezen Franklin urged unity among different faith communities, saying, “If ever we needed to stand together and stand up for what we believe, it’s now.” The commission is expected to deliver its recommendations to the president next spring.
