Summary
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released its annual report on religious liberty in February 2026, criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration for enhancing religious freedom in some areas and weakening it in others. The USCCB highlighted the administration’s efforts to combat gender ideology as a positive change while expressing concerns over mass deportation policies. Archbishop Alexander Sample, chair of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty, warned of threats to religious liberty, citing incidents of violence against Catholic institutions such as a shooter opening fire on a school Mass in Minneapolis and an explosive threat at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. The committee attributed some easing of gender identity concerns to Trump’s executive actions, including rescinding orders that discriminated based on “gender identity.” Trump implemented sex-based distinctions over “gender identity,” supporting religious entities like Catholic charitable organizations and ensuring parents could opt their children out of gender ideology materials in school curriculums. Notably, the USCCB commended the 2025 budget reconciliation bill for including a Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, which provides more choices for parents but needs revisions to safeguard religious liberty protections from state discrimination.
Key Topics
Bishop, Gender identity, Trump administration
