John Van Dyke was one of the three Christian Conservatives brought to the White House during the Mary Marsh incident. During negotiations, he suggested that the Sunday Morning Radio Address could be about the Commandment "Love thy father" which he incorrectly listed as the First Commandment. Toby Zeigler corrected him (though incorrectly identified it as the Third Commandment) and the President, who was entering the room, stated that the First Commandment was "I am thy Lord, your God. Thou shalt not worship any god before me"