government
A Trump commission urges 'bridges' between church and state in sweeping draft report
By Peter Smith, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 6 min read
A new report by a Trump administration commission suggests replacing the idea of separating church and state with the idea of building bridges between them.The assertion — challenging a longstanding concept in American law — comes amid a raft of recommendations in a draft report of the Religious ...
Key takeaway The 224-page draft report — part policy document, part philosophical argument — echoes members' support for a stronger role for religion and religious expression in government, schools and the public square.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The draft report's recommendations to increase religious expression in public settings and provide broader exemptions for conscientious objections could have significant implications for San Antonio 's diverse community. With a large number of faith-based organizations and a strong military presence, the city may see a surge in requests for accommodations and exemptions. Local schools and government agencies may need to navigate complex issues surrounding religious liberty, potentially leading to conflicts and challenges in implementing policies. The report's call to eliminate the Johnson Amendment could also impact local churches and non-profit organizations, allowing them to engage in political activities while maintaining their tax-exempt status. As the public comment period opens, San Antonio residents and community leaders will likely weigh in on the proposed changes, which could reshape the city's approach to balancing religious freedom with other rights and interests.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A new report by a Trump administration commission suggests replacing the idea of separating church and state with the idea of building bridges between them.The assertion — challenging a longstanding concept in American law — comes amid a raft of recommendations in a draft report of the Religious ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter Smith, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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