Abp. Elpidophoros of GOARCH Appointed to Trump's Advisory Board on Religious Liberty
The advisory board was established to "vigorously enforce the historic and robust protections for religious liberty enshrined in Federal Law."
Washington D.C—The Greek Archdiocese announced on May 16th that Archbishop Elpidophoros had been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Religious Liberty Commission. President Trump established the commission by Executive Order on May 1st.
The order establishing the order reads, in part:
"In recent years, some Federal, State, and local policies have threatened America’s unique and beautiful tradition of religious liberty. These policies attempt to infringe upon longstanding conscience protections, prevent parents from sending their children to religious schools, threaten loss of funding or denial of non-profit tax status for faith-based entities, and single out religious groups and institutions for exclusion from governmental programs."
Responding to the appointment, Abp. Elpidophoros expressed his gratitude for the opportunity:
"I am honored to serve on this important commission and grateful to President Trump for including me among such distinguished religious leaders. Religious liberty is a cornerstone of our nation, and I look forward to contributing to efforts that promote understanding, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths. This mission aligns closely with the vision of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who has long advocated for ecumenical dialogue and reconciliation."
The commission features a number of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish religious leaders.
The Archbishop is the first Orthodox member of the body. The appointment is a stunning turn in fortunes from just two months ago, when it was reported that Patriarch Bartholomew was planning a trip to the United States for the express purpose of boosting the archbishop's flagging popularity and influence.
While the addition of an Orthodox clergyman is an encouraging development, it raises questions about the appointment's potential implications for US policy abroad. Archbishop Elpidophoros has drawn a great deal of scrutiny from fellow clergyman for his support of schismatics and what many call an abandonment of the Church's social ethic. Infamously, Abp. Elpidophoros deceived a fellow bishop in Greece in order to baptize the adopted child of two open homosexuals.
UOJ-America previously reported on Abp. Elpidophoros speech at the White House during Greek Independence Day, where he stated that Trump reminded him of St. Constantine the Great.
