What's Inside President Trump's New Religious Freedom Executive Order - CBN News Benjamin Gill

What's Inside President Trump's New Religious Freedom Executive Order

05-03-2018

CBN News Benjamin Gill

Christian leaders are reacting positively to news that President Donald Trump is unveiling a new 

White House plan to protect religious freedom and to work more closely with the faith community.

The president is announcing the new initiative today on the National Day of Prayer.

Evangelist Franklin Graham praised the move saying, "I'm extremely grateful that we have a 

president who realizes the importance of prayer, faith, and religious freedoms to our nation."

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The Difference a Year Makes: Johnnie Moore on Freedom of Religion in the Age of Trump

Trump's executive order calls for the executive branch to ensure "conscience protections," and it states 

a broader goal to preserve "the religious liberty of persons and organizations in America." Here's 

what it says:

"It shall be the policy of the executive branch to vigorously enforce Federal law's robust protections

for religious freedom. The Founders envisioned a Nation in which religious voices and views were 

integral to a vibrant public square, and in which religious people and institutions were free to practice

 their faith without fear of discrimination or retaliation by the Federal Government."

Later the order specifically directs the Treasury Department, which includes the IRS, not to target 

churches or religious groups for speaking out about political issues:

"In particular, the Secretary of the Treasury shall ensure, to the extent permitted by law, that the 

Department of the Treasury does not take any adverse action against any individual, house of worship, 

or other religious organization on the basis that such individual or organization speaks or has spoken 

about moral or political issues from a religious perspective, where speech of similar character has, 

consistent with law, not ordinarily been treated as participation or intervention in a political campaign 

on behalf of (or in opposition to) a candidate for public office by the Department of the Treasury."

Johnnie Moore, an unofficial spokesman for the president's group of faith advisors, said it's "good 

for America" that President Trump has welcomed the faith community with open arms.

"This executive order is the product of the President's unwavering prioritization of faith and religious 

liberty and reflects the smart work of people like Jared Kushner and advisors in the policy and public 

liaison divisions who met with hundreds and hundreds of leaders and government officials to assess 

ways in which the government can partner more effectively with communities of faith," Moore said.

He also points out how important it is for there to be a faith-based liaison associated directly with 

the White House.

"Ordering every department of the federal government to work on faith based partnerships - not just 

those with faith offices - represents a widespread expansion of a program that has historically done 

very effective work and now can do even greater work," Moore contiued.

READ: The Difference a Year Makes: Johnnie Moore on Freedom of Religion in the Age of Trump

He says he'd like to see the White House faith-based effort focus on issues like prison reform, 

mental health issues, strengthening families, promoting education and meeting humanitarian needs.

California pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie also weighed in with praise for Trump's latest pro-faith 

move.

"I've always believed that America is better when it's faithful, together. Anything any administration 

can do to demonstrate a positive partnership between our faith communities and government, the 

better off our country will be and so I herald this important initiative that empowers people of faith 

in America," Laurie said.

Watch here: President Trump