1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The executive order to form a task force aimed at combating perceived "anti-Christian bias" within the federal government is deeply concerning. Elevating and prioritizing one religious faith over others through government action threatens the fundamental principle of separation of church and state enshrined in the First Amendment. A secular government must maintain neutrality toward all religions and beliefs, favoring none. This order risks emboldening discrimination against non-Christian faiths and non-religious individuals under the guise of protecting Christianity. It opens the door for the government to improperly intervene in matters of religious expression and belief, violating the free exercise clause. The proposal to prosecute "anti-Christian violence and vandalism" more aggressively than crimes targeting other faiths is unacceptable religious favoritism. Furthermore, the claims of systematic bias against Christians within federal agencies are unsubstantiated. The cited examples involve lawful enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and reasonable oversight of groups espousing fringe ideological views. Protecting religious liberty does not grant a license to discriminate or endanger vulnerable populations like LGBTQ+ youth. Promoting religious freedom necessitates defending the rights of all Americans to hold any belief or none at all, not privileging a single faith through the power of the state. This executive order undermines that impartial ideal and should be immediately rescinded to uphold true religious liberty for all.