Texas Republicans propose a decade-long “Promise Month” honoring Christian principles while critics see a constitutional overreach threatening religious neutrality.

At a Glance

• Texas House Resolution 59 would designate April as “Promise Month” for 10 years, focusing on God’s promises and biblical principles
• The resolution, introduced by Republican State Rep. Carrie Isaac, has 47 co-sponsors including 11 Democrats
• Freedom From Religion Foundation opposes the measure as violating church-state separation and elevating Christianity above other faiths
• The proposal comes amid growing Christian nationalist influence in Texas politics and follows similar efforts in other states
• Critics argue the resolution mischaracterizes American founding principles while supporters see it addressing moral decline

Proposed Resolution Details

Texas lawmakers are considering House Concurrent Resolution 59, which would designate April as “Promise Month” for the next decade. The resolution, sponsored by Republican State Representative Carrie Isaac, focuses on recognizing “God’s promises” and biblical principles. The measure contains numerous references to scripture and Christian theology while highlighting what proponents describe as America’s Christian heritage. The resolution is currently pending in committee with significant support, including 47 co-sponsors across party lines.

The text asserts strong claims about America’s founding, stating unequivocally that the nation was established on Christian principles. According to the resolution: “The Declaration of Independence clearly reveals the fact that America was founded upon biblical principles and Christian values; the Bible had great influence on the founding of our great nation.”

Opposition from Religious Freedom Groups

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has emerged as a vocal opponent of the resolution, characterizing it as “effectively endorsing Christianity as the state-sanctioned religion.” The organization argues that such governmental endorsement of a specific faith tradition violates the constitutional principle of separation between church and state. Critics note that elevating one religion through official government recognition creates a hierarchy of faiths that potentially marginalizes non-Christian Texans.

“These government endorsements of Christianity serve a broader purpose,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. “They normalize the false narrative perpetuated by extremists that Texas is a Christian state. This is then used to justify passing actual laws rooted in Christian nationalism that take away rights, violate religious freedoms, and cause real harm to those who don’t conform to certain religious beliefs.”

Part of a Broader Legislative Pattern

The “Promise Month” resolution is not an isolated proposal but part of a growing trend in Texas politics. The state has previously designated a week in April as “Texas Christian Heritage Week,” and similar religious recognition measures have been attempted in Montana, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. These efforts coincide with other legislative initiatives that would increase religious presence in public institutions, particularly schools.

Recent sessions of the Texas legislature have seen proposals to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, institute optional prayer time during school hours, and mandate an anti-communist curriculum that emphasizes America’s Christian identity. Proponents of these measures frequently cite moral decline and decreasing church attendance as justifications for bringing religious elements into public education and governance.

“Our opposition comes not from a perspective of anti-religion, but pro-Constitution,” said Mickey Dollens, highlighting the nuanced position many critics take when opposing such measures.

Shifting Political Landscape

Political observers note that rhetoric around religion in Texas politics has evolved in recent years. What was once framed primarily as “religious freedom” legislation has increasingly been characterized as more explicitly Christian nationalist in orientation. Some Texas lawmakers have become more confident in pursuing faith-based initiatives following favorable court rulings and electoral victories that have strengthened their political position.

Texas has long served as a proving ground for conservative religious policies that subsequently spread to other states. Many of the legislators backing Resolution 59 and similar measures express confidence that their initiatives will pass constitutional muster despite concerns from religious liberty advocates. The proposal represents one facet of an ongoing national conversation about the proper relationship between faith traditions and governmental institutions.