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There are things I like about the Christmas season: outdoor light displays, pretty music, candy canes, a few weeks of the year when people consciously try to be kind and considerate to others. Obviously, it’s not the theology that resonates with me. But I respect the faith and beliefs of those who mark the religious aspects of their holiday, as I would expect them to respect mine.

In this season of holiday cheer, it was therefore quite distressing to read the transcript of a recent speech by Vice President J.D. Vance. Speaking to a conference of politically conservative activists, he said, “The only thing that has truly served as an anchor of the United States of America is that we have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation.” And a moment later, added, “Christianity is America’s creed.”

In a literal sense, he is wrong. The First Amendment to our Constitution ensures that there is no established religion in America. Historically, he is wrong, as well. We were not founded as a Christian nation and numerous Supreme Court cases have defined the contours of what freedom of religion (and freedom from religion) mean in public life, allowing for a flourishing of religious life in our country. But I don’t think the Vice President was concerned with being literally or historically correct. He was making a political point to a particular audience, without care for the impact the implication of his words might have.

If America is a Christian nation, and Christianity is America’s creed, then the Jewish community (and other non-Christians) are, by definition, not fully a part of America. We are separate or distinct from “regular” Americans. And while this may, in fact, feel true sometimes by culture or practice, it is not true by law. But, again, I don’t think the Vice President was concerned with the law.

I reject the Vice President’s attempt to define us out of American citizenship. I reject his efforts to make us feel any less devoted to American ideals, any less committed to American values, any less called to strive towards a “more perfect union.” He speaks from a perspective that would deny what Jewish Americans have contributed to this country. He ignores the fact that the religious diversity of this country is one of its greatest strengths.

At this season of the year, as Christian Americans celebrate their holiday, I respect the Vice President’s right to his religious beliefs. I just wish he would respect mine.