Jan. 16 Is Religious Freedom Day

Today (Jan. 16) is Religious Freedom Day-- the 233rd anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. On Tuesday, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation calling on Americans "to commemorate this day with events and activities that remind us of our shared heritage of religious liberty and that teach us how to secure this blessing both at home and around the world."  The Proclamation says in part:

Unfortunately, the fundamental human right to religious freedom is under attack.  Efforts to circumscribe religious freedom — or to separate it from adjoining civil liberties, like property rights or free speech — are on the rise.  Over time, legislative and political attacks on religious freedom have given way to actual violence.  Last October, we witnessed a horrific attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in our Nation’s history.  Tragically, attacks on people of faith and their houses of worship have increased in frequency in recent years.

Christmas and the Trump White House

Today is Christmas. Vogue last week published an analysis of this year's White House Christmas Portrait. Meanwhile the White House website gives details on Christmas decorations at the White House, and this year's White House Christmas Card goes back to the traditional Merry Christmas greeting. Elite Daily discusses the issue.

Supreme Court Will Not Stay Injunction Against Asylum Rule

Today the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order (full text) in East Bay Sanctuary Covenant v. Trump (stay denied, Dec. 21, 2018), denying a stay of a preliminary injunction against implementation of a Presidential Proclamation and a rule that allow asylum to be granted only to refugees who cross the border at a designated port of entry. (See prior posting). Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh dissented from the denial of the stay.

President Trump's Hanukkah Message

Yesterday the White House issued a Presidential Message on Hanukkah which in part connects the holiday that began yesterday evening with recent events;

For eight nights, Jewish families and friends will come together to engage in the lighting of the menorah.  This special tradition started more than 2,000 years ago during the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which followed a trying period when Jews were persecuted for practicing their faith.

Unfortunately, Jews today continue to face many different forms of violence, hatred, and bigotry around the globe.  We remember all those from the Tree of Life—Or L’Simcha Congregation—whose lives were tragically taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this past October.  As one Nation, we pledge our continued love and support for the victims, their families, and the community, and we pray that the victims’ families find some measure of peace and comfort during this holiday season.

President's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

Donald Trump this week issued a formal Proclamation (full text) declaring today as a National Day of Thanksgiving. The Proclamation reads in part:

We are especially reminded on Thanksgiving of how the virtue of gratitude enables us to recognize, even in adverse situations, the love of God in every person, every creature, and throughout nature. Let us be mindful of the reasons we are grateful for our lives, for those around us, and for our communities. We also commit to treating all with charity and mutual respect, spreading the spirit of Thanksgiving throughout our country and across the world.

Court Bars Enforcement of Trump's Limitation on Asylum Seekers

In East Bay Sanctuary Covenant v. Trump, (ND CA, Nov. 19, 2018), a California federal district court issued a temporary restraining order against implementation of a Presidential Proclamation and implementing rule that allow asylum to be granted only to refugees who cross the border at a designated port of entry.  8 USC Sec. 1158(a) provides:

Any alien who is physically present in the United States or who arrives in the United States (whether or not at a designated port of arrival ...), irrespective of such alien’s status, may apply for asylum....

Focusing on this section and on treaty obligations, the court said in part:

The rule barring asylum for immigrants who enter the country outside a port of entry irreconcilably conflicts with the INA and the expressed intent of Congress. Whatever the scope of the President’s authority, he may not rewrite the immigration laws to impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden.

A hearing on whether a preliminary injunction should issue in the case was set for Dec. 19.  Washington Post reports on the decision. The decision led to an unusual war of words between President Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts.

Court Continues Preliminary Injunction Against Trump's Policy On Transgender Military Service

In  Stockman v. Trump, (CD CA, Sept. 18, 2018), a California federal district court refused to dissolve a previously issued preliminary injunction barring enforcement of President Trump's August 2017 Memorandum that excludes transgender individuals from the military. The government argued that a subsequent March 2018 Presidential memorandum revoking the 2017 one and instead implementing a policy recommended by the Department of Defense mooted the earlier challenge. The court concluded however:

For the purpose of mootness, the controversy presented by the new policy is substantively the same as the controversy presented by the old policy. Transgender individuals will be disadvantaged “in the same fundamental way.”

The court went on to find that the transgender ban cannot survive intermediate scrutiny, rejecting the government's military readiness and unit cohesion arguments. MetroWeekly reports on the decision.

President Sends Yom Kippur Greetings

The Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur begins this evening.  President Trump issued a Presidential Message (full text) today sending greetings to all Jewish people, saying in part:

Melania and I pray that you are all inscribed in the Book of Life and hope this period of reflection and repentance leads to a deeper relationship with God. 

Trump Holds Pre-Rosh Hashanah Conference Call With Rabbis

Rosh Hashanah begins this evening. The White House has posted a transcript of President Trump's annual conference call with Jewish faith leaders and rabbis held on Thursday. The President said in part:

I send my warmest wishes to the Jewish people in the United States and around the world as we approach the High Holy Days. The Jewish practice of reflection, atonement, and remembrance during this holy period not only strengthens Jewish communities, but inspires all Americans.

 The Forward reports:

President Trump’s annual pre-Rosh Hashanah phone call to Jewish groups on Thursday lasted only 20 minutes but featured four allies singing his praises to an audience far more right-wing than calls under past administrations.

UPDATE: The President and First Lady also, in a Sept. 9  press release, sent greetings to those celebrating Rosh Hashanah.

What Else Did President Trump Tell Evangelical Leaders?

As previously reported, yesterday President Trump spoke to evangelical leaders at a dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House. Subsequently the White House posted a transcript of the President's remarks.  It appears to be a transcript of the remarks as delivered, not merely as prepared, since audience applause is noted a various points.  However, CNN today reports on other quotations which it says were taken from a recording of the President's "closed-door remarks" in the State Dining Room. Apparently these preceded or followed the remarks posted by the White House.  Here are the quotes as reported by CNN:

This November 6 election is very much a referendum on not only me, it's a referendum on your religion, it's a referendum on free speech and the First Amendment. It's a referendum on so much.

It's not a question of like or dislike, it's a question that they will overturn everything that we've done and they will do it quickly and violently. And violently. There is violence. When you look at Antifa -- these are violent people. 

You have tremendous power. You were saying, in this room, you have people who preach to almost 200 million people. Depending on which Sunday we're talking about. 

You have to hopefully get out and get people to support us.  If you don't, that will be the beginning of ending everything that you've gotten.  The polls might be good, but a lot of them say they are going to vote in 2020, but they're not going to vote if I'm not on a ballot.  I think we're doing well, I think we're popular, but there's a real question as to whether people are going to vote if I'm not on the ballot. And I'm not on the ballot.

I just ask you to go out and make sure all of your people vote. Because if they don't -- it's November 6 -- if they don't vote, we're going to have a miserable two years and we're going to have, frankly, a very hard period of time.  You're one election away from losing everything that you've gotten.  Little thing: Merry Christmas, right? You couldn't say 'Merry Christmas.'

White House Dinner With Evangelicals

AP reports on a dinner at the White House last night with evangelical Christian leaders:

President Donald Trump says the government’s “attacks on communities of faith” are over as he hosts a dinner celebrating evangelical Christian leaders at the White House.

Trump says the government in recent years has tried to undermine religious freedom, but those days are over.

He’s pointing to efforts by his administration to secure the release of imprisoned pastors and limit federal funding for abortion providers.

UPDATE: Here is the full text of the President's remarks.

President Meets With Inner City Pastors

Yesterday afternoon, President Trump met at the White House with a group of inner city pastors.  The White House has posted a transcript of remarks by the President and a number of the pastors at the meeting.  They focused primarily on issues of economic development and prison reform.

Deal To Free American Pastor Held By Turkey Falls Through

Washington Post reported yesterday that President  Trump thought he had struck a deal with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the recent NATO meeting for the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson who has been held by Turkey for two years on supposed terrorism charges:

The deal was a carom shot, personally sealed by Trump, to trade a Turkish citizen imprisoned on terrorism charges in Israel for Brunson’s release. But it apparently fell apart on Wednesday, when a Turkish court, rather than sending the pastor home, ordered that he be transferred to house arrest while his trial continues.

Thursday morning, after a rancorous phone call with Erdogan, Trump struck back. The United States “will impose large sanctions” on Turkey, he tweeted. “This innocent man of faith should be released immediately.”

Pruitt's Resignation Letter Says Trump Is President Because of God's Providence

As widely reported, yesterday Scott Pruitt resigned as head of the Environmental Protection Agency. His resignation letter to President Trump (full text) included the following paragraph:

My desire in service to you has always been to bless you as you make important decisions for the American people. I believe you are serving as President today because of God's providence. I believe that same providence brought me into your service. I pray as I have served you that I have blessed you and enabled you to effectively lead the American people. Thank you again Mr. President for the honor of serving you and I wish you Godspeed in all that you put your hand to.

President Hosts Iftar Dinner At White House

The White House on Wednesday hosted an Iftar dinner at which President Trump delivered remarks (full text).  The President said in part:

At tonight’s dinner, we especially are pleased to welcome members of the diplomatic corps, representing our friends and partners across the globe.  And a very warm welcome to all of the ambassadors here tonight representing Muslim-majority nations....  To each of you and to the Muslims around the world: Ramadan Mubarak.

... Iftars mark the coming together of families and friends to celebrate a timeless message of peace, clarity, and love.  There is great love.  It’s a moment to call upon our highest ideals, and to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy.  Thank you very much.

AP reports on the event, contrasting the President's welcoming remarks with anti-Muslim rhetoric used during his campaign.  Some Muslim groups, in protest, organized a "NOT Trump’s Iftar" across from the White House.

President's Ramadan Message

On May 15, as Ramadan was about to begin, President Trump issued a Presidential Message (full text) sending greetings and best wishes to Muslims in the U.S. and around the world.  He said in part:

Ramadan reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life.  In the United States, we are all blessed to live under a Constitution that fosters religious liberty and respects religious practice.  Our Constitution ensures Muslims can observe Ramadan in accordance with the dictates of conscience and unimpeded by government.  By doing so, the Constitution also furnishes varied opportunities for all Americans to deepen their understanding of the human soul.

As so many people unite to celebrate Ramadan, Melania and I join in the hope for a blessed month.  Ramadan Mubarak.

Controversial Baptist Pastor To Open Ceremony Dedicating U.S. Embassy In Jerusalem

The Trump Administration has chosen controversial Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress to deliver the opening prayer in today's ceremony marking the move of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WFAA News). As reported by Mother Jones, Jeffress, who is a supporter and informal faith adviser to President Trump, has made incendiary statements about non-Christian religions:

Jeffress, who runs the First Baptist Dallas megachurch in Texas, has referred to both Islam and Mormonism as “a heresy from the pit of hell.” He believes Islam, Mormonism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are all cults, and that Catholicism represents the “genius of Satan.” Jews, he believes, are going to hell. “You can’t be saved by being a Jew,” he’s said. Islam, he said, “is a religion that promotes pedophelia, sex with children.”

UPDATE: Here is a video of the full ceremony in Jerusalem.  Pastor Jeffress' invocation is at 17:25 on the video, followed by an invocation by Chabad Rabbi Zalman Wolowik.  The benediction at 1:12:03 on the video was offered by controversial Pastor John Hagee, evangelical founder of Christians United for Israel.

Trump's Faith Initiative Executive Order Has Rescinded Protections For Clients Objecting To Religious Provider

As previously reported, on May 3 President Trump signed an Executive Order on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative.  As reported by JTA, buried in that order is repeal of a previous provision that required religious social service providers using federal grant funds to refer a client to an alternative provider if the client objected to the religious character of the original provider.  That referral requirement was added in 2010 by President Obama in Executive Order 13559 which amended Executive Order 13279 (2002).  The most recent change was effected by the following language in Sec. 2(b) of President Trump's recent Executive Order:

Executive Order 13279, as amended, is further amended by striking section 2(h) and redesignating sections 2(i) and 2(j) as sections 2(h) and 2(i), respectively.

White House Marks National Day of Prayer With Executive Order On New Faith Initiative

Yesterday the White House marked National Day of Prayer with a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House.  Vice President Pence delivered remarks (full text) followed by a 15-minute address by President Trump (full text) in which he announced that he would be signing a new Executive Order to create a faith initiative at the White House.  Later in the day the President signed an Executive Order on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative (full text).  The Executive Order replaces President Obama's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives with an Advisor to the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative.  The Initiative is to:

 (iii)  make recommendations to the President... regarding changes to policies, programs, and practices that affect the delivery of services by faith-based and community organizations....

(v)    showcase innovative initiatives by faith-based and community organizations that serve and strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout the United States;

(vi)   notify the Attorney General ... of concerns raised by faith-based and community organizations about any failures of the executive branch to comply with protections of Federal law for religious liberty.... 

(vii)  identify and propose means to reduce... burdens on the exercise of religious convictions and legislative, regulatory, and other barriers to the full and active engagement of faith-based and community organizations in Government-funded or Government-conducted activities and programs.

The White House also issued a Fact Sheet titled President Donald J. Trump Stands Up For Religious Freedom In The United States.  Washington Post reports on these developments.

President Proclaims May As Jewish American Heritage Month

Yesterday President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation (full text) declaring May 2018 as Jewish American Heritage Month.  The Proclamation reads in part:

The American Jewish community is a shining example of how enshrining freedom of religion and protecting the rights of minorities can strengthen a nation.  Through their rich culture and heritage, the Jewish people have triumphed over adversity and enhanced our country.  For this and many other reasons, the American Jewish community is deserving of our respect, recognition, and gratitude.