Religious freedom is once again in the spotlight as President Donald Trump has appointed San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone to serve on the advisory board of the newly created Religious Liberty Commission.
This move comes as part of the administration’s effort to address what it calls growing challenges to religious expression across the country.
Catholic Leaders Take Key Roles on the National Commission
Cordileone, who has led the Archdiocese of San Francisco since 2012, joins a small but influential group of Catholic leaders already involved in the commission.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York and Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota are also members, giving the Church a strong voice in shaping the commission’s direction.
Cordileone Emphasizes the Importance of a Catholic Perspective
In a statement, Archbishop Cordileone highlighted the urgency of defending religious liberty in today’s society.
“Religious liberty is a critical issue in our time that needs to be defended and addressed,” he said.
While the specific duties of the advisory board are still being defined, Cordileone explained that a key goal is to ensure religious leaders’ perspectives are heard at the highest levels.
Concern Over Government Overreach in Religious Matters
Cordileone pointed to several recent controversies involving government policies and religious freedom.
One example is the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate, which the Supreme Court eventually struck down after sparking heated debate.
He also voiced opposition to any potential insurance mandates covering in vitro fertilization, a procedure the Catholic Church opposes.
Protecting the Seal of Confession Under Scrutiny
The archbishop shared particular concern about a new Washington state law that attempts to require priests to report child abuse even if it’s revealed during confession.
He recalled a similar legislative effort in California in 2019 that rallied strong opposition from Catholic communities.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing the Washington law, reflecting the sensitive balance between protecting vulnerable individuals and respecting religious confidentiality.
Defending Religious Organizations’ Ability to Serve Communities
Beyond legal battles, Cordileone stressed the importance of allowing religious organizations to continue their vital work.
From helping the homeless and migrants to supporting mothers and the poor, he said faith-based groups must be free to serve according to their moral beliefs without government interference.
Maintaining Faith-Based Values Without Government Definition
The archbishop concluded by emphasizing that religious groups should be able to define their own values rooted in their faith, rather than having the government dictate what religion means for them.
“We don’t want our government defining for us what our religion is,” he said, underscoring the ongoing need to protect religious liberty in America.