US government employees allowed to openly express their religious beliefs

Donald Trump at the entrance of the church, holding a Bible. Photo: ndtv

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has issued new nationwide guidelines allowing federal employees to openly practice their faith in the workplace. This was reported by Fox News with reference to a memo from the head of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Scott Kupor.

The memorandum titled "Protecting Religious Expression in the Federal Workplace," was distributed to agencies on July 29, 2025. It states that henceforth, government employees can keep Bibles, rosaries, images of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and Jewish symbols on their desks, pray during breaks, discuss matters of faith with colleagues, invite them to worship services – all without fear of disciplinary action.

"Federal employees should never have to choose between their faith and their career," OPM Director Scott Kupor told Fox News Digital. "This guidance ensures the federal workplace is not just compliant with the law but welcoming to Americans of all faiths."

Kupor noted that allowing religious discrimination in government structures contradicts American law and the U.S. Constitution and may negatively impact the recruitment and retention of religious professionals. "Under President Trump’s leadership, we are restoring constitutional freedoms and making government a place where people of faith are respected, not sidelined," he added.

According to the explanations in the memorandum, acceptable forms of religious expression include wearing religious symbols, reading Scripture during free time, group prayers during breaks, and discussing religious topics with respect for the interlocutor. For example, an employee may invite a colleague to an Easter service if they show interest or politely explain their faith if it does not cause objections.

The document also emphasizes that agencies cannot selectively restrict religious posters or messages if other personal announcements are allowed.

The new initiative follows President Trump's orders to eradicate anti-Christian prejudices and establish a Commission on Religious Freedom.

As reported by the UOJ, the American Bible Society previously published research results indicating that regular Bible reading positively affects mental health and lifestyle. 

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