1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

The establishment of the White House Faith Office raises significant concerns about violating the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. This office appears to promote and favor religious entities in a way that blurs the line between religion and government. Giving preferential treatment or using government resources to advance particular faiths would undermine the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom for all. It is crucial that the government remains neutral toward religion and avoids actions that could be construed as endorsing or showing preference for certain beliefs over others. The Faith Office's stated functions, such as partnering with houses of worship, promoting religious liberty exceptions, and reducing burdens on religious exercise, risk entangling the government with religion in an unconstitutional manner. I urge Congress to carefully scrutinize this executive order and take appropriate measures to ensure the government does not violate the Establishment Clause by favoring or disfavoring any particular religion or religious institutions. Maintaining a strict separation between church and state is essential to protect the religious liberties of all Americans and prevent any form of discrimination or coercion based on religious beliefs. Preserving this foundational principle should be a top priority.