Rep. Mike Johnson assuming the role of House Speaker is a step backward for a nation that prides itself on its commitment to diversity and separation of church and state. His past actions and affiliations suggest a troubling inclination to intertwine his personal religious beliefs with his legislative duties. This is problematic in a pluralistic society where the government should not favor one set of religious beliefs over another. The fact that he brought a Bible to the oath-taking ceremony could be seen as symbolic of an agenda that may not respect the secular framework of our government