Former President George W. Bush delivered the commencement address at Southern Methodist University on Saturday.

After customary comments about why graduates should have hopes for the future, Bush shared his views on religious freedom in America. While his comments were meant to encourage believers, they may have surprised non-believers as well:

“And finally, you can be hopeful because there is a loving God. Whether you agree with that statement is your choice, it is not your government’s choice.”

“It is essential to this nation’s future that we remember that the freedom to worship who we want, and how we want – or not to worship at all – is a core belief of our founding.”

Following the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Hobby Lobby last year, which pitted religious freedom against ObamaCare’s requirement that corporations provide contraceptives and abortifacients to their employees, the debate continues.

More recently, both Indiana and Arkansas were forced to revise their religious freedom legislation after widespread criticism and condemnation.

The former president made sure the graduates knew where he stood:

“I’ve made my choice. I believe that the almighty’s grace and unconditional love will sustain you.”

But again, as he correctly said, that is “your” choice – not the government’s. Bush told some more great jokes, as well: