President Donald Trump has appointed Jack Graham, senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, to the advisory board of the newly established Religious Liberty Commission.
The White House announced the decision on May 16, making Graham the sole Southern Baptist among 11 appointees to the board. They will serve until July 4, 2026 — America’s 250th anniversary.
Heightened concerns
Formed by executive order on May 1, the commission aims to “vigorously enforce” protections for religious liberty. Graham praised the initiative, noting, “Faith and freedom are eternally linked, and I am honored to be given the opportunity to offer my voice.”
The appointment comes amid heightened concern over antisemitism, following the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C. Graham called the murders a “vivid reminder” of the need for religious liberty advocacy.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story is a summary of a report released by Baptist Press.
