The United States Department of Defense announced a significant reduction in the number of officially recognized religious affiliations. The new list of 31 affiliations replaces the previous list of over 200 traditions that troops could choose from. Atheists, Unitarian Universalists, pagans, and Wiccans are no longer included.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that this reduction is not intended to comment on the legitimacy of any faith or belief system, nor does it provide a list of ‘officially approved’ religions. Instead, it’s aimed at allowing chaplains to quickly assess the religious composition of their units to structure resources better for servicemembers of all faiths.
Parnell emphasized the Department of Defense’s commitment to the free exercise of religion, with chaplains facilitating the ability of service members to practice their chosen faith, or none at all. The list now includes broad categories for some Christian traditions, such as Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist, without specifying denominations.
Service members can identify as ‘no religion’, ‘other religions’, or agnostic. Also included are Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, the Bahá’í Faith, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Unitarian Universalist Association, removed from the list, expressed concern that this change might hinder access to spiritual care for its members.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, identifying as an evangelical Christian, has integrated his religious beliefs into his leadership, organizing worship services for employees. He initially announced these changes in faith categories in December, citing that the large number of faith codes had become unmanageable.
Reverend Paul Raushenbush of the progressive Interfaith Alliance criticized the changes, asserting that the First Amendment prohibits the government from establishing a hierarchy of religions. He argued that the Pentagon should not decide which beliefs deserve recognition.
Religious diversity characterizes the U.S. military, with nearly 70% identifying as Christian, as per a 2019 Congressional report. About a quarter of the troops are classified as other, unclassified, or unknown.
Irene Glasse, a pagan religious professional and Marine Corps veteran, voiced the importance of minority religions being acknowledged. She expressed concern that the reduction erases the contributions of those who have served with pride and honor.
Konstantin Toropin of The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Associated Press’s coverage of religion benefits from its collaboration with The Conversation US, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. AP maintains full responsibility for this content.