Why your voice belongs in America’s conversation about religious freedom.
Two hundred fifty years ago, America declared that human rights do not come from governments but from a Creator. That conviction has never belonged to one faith. It made room for conscience, conviction, worship, doubt, dissent, and change.
From Muslim officers inviting me to pray after September 11 to business leaders learning how people can bring their whole selves, even their whole souls, to work, I have come to see religious freedom as something larger than protection from persecution. It is the freedom to live with integrity, to contribute without hiding, and to treat neighbors with dignity across deep differences. It also gave me freedom to follow conscience until I found my spiritual home in the Catholic Church.
As we celebrate America’s first 250 years, we should ask not only what religious freedom meant in 1776, but what we hope it will mean when our descendants gather for America’s 500th birthday in 2276.
That is why the draft report of the Religious Liberty Commission matters. Whether one agrees with its conclusions or not, the Commission has invited public comment. We should accept that invitation.
And because the American experiment has inspired people beyond our shores, it is fitting and proper that all who share these ideals make their voices heard.
The next chapter should not be written for the people. It should be written by the people. It should remain, at its heart, of the people, recognizing every person’s freedom to seek truth, follow conscience, and contribute to human flourishing.
Read the Commission DRAFT Report
- — Two-Page Summary of the Religious Liberty Commission Draft Report
- — Draft Report of the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission, June 2026
This draft of the Religious Liberty Commission Report, based on public hearings held and public comments received, is available here and open to public comment for fifteen (15) days, with comment period closing on Monday, July 13, 2026. Comments may be emailed to RLC@usdoj.gov.
To aid the Religious Liberty Commission in processing your comments, please format the subject line using the following:
PUBLIC COMMENT – [TOPIC OR CHAPTER NUMBER] – [NAME].
Please be aware that public comments are open to public inspection, not confidential. Please do not include personally identifiable information, such as personal addresses, in your comments.
After the fifteen (15) day comment period, Commission will hold a virtual public meeting to review comments reviewed, discuss the draft, and finalize the report. Attendance information will be posted on the “Upcoming Events” page and in the Federal Register at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.