Dr. Phil Takes A Stand For Christians Everywhere

Television personality Dr. Phil McGraw was among several cultural and political figures appointed to President Donald Trump’s White House Religious Liberty Commission, where he spoke about what he described as growing pressure on Americans who openly practice their Christian faith.

The commission released a draft report last month outlining what its members viewed as significant threats to religious liberty. The report also included a series of recommendations for the Trump administration to consider as it develops policies related to religious expression and constitutional protections.

During remarks in the Oval Office, Dr. Phil said he was particularly struck by the number of people who testified that their religious beliefs had created problems for them in their professional lives.

“What stuck out for me is how many Americans showed up saying that they were persecuted in health care, military, education — different walks of life — for living their faith and standing up for their faith,” Dr. Phil said, according to NewsNation.

He argued that religious liberty involves more than the right to attend a particular church or choose a place of worship.

“It’s not just the liberty to choose which house of worship they want, it’s actually getting into their daily life, and they’re being persecuted in their jobs,” he said.

Dr. Phil is a Christian and has spoken more openly about his religious beliefs in recent years. His role on the commission reflects his increasing involvement in public discussions about faith, culture and politics.

Texas Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who chairs the White House Religious Liberty Commission, also addressed the role of religion in public life. Patrick criticized the way the phrase “separation of church and state” is sometimes used, arguing that it has been interpreted too broadly by those who want to exclude religious belief from government and civic institutions.

“Again, the separation of church and state is not in the Constitution,” Patrick said.

“And from this day forward, that phrase should have no power over people of all faiths ever again in America.”