Pentagon Reduces Recognized Religious Affiliations

The Department of Defense has announced a significant reduction in the number of religious affiliations it officially recognizes. The new list now includes only 31 affiliations, a decrease from the previous over 200 traditions that service members could choose.

The adjusted list excludes atheists, Unitarian Universalists, pagans, and Wiccans. According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the intent is not to question the legitimacy of any religious belief or faith. Instead, the list is intended to help chaplains assess the religious composition of their units and allocate resources effectively for all faith groups.

Parnell emphasized the importance of the free exercise of religion, adding that chaplains support service members’ ability to practice their chosen religion or none at all.

The list offers broader categories for some Christian traditions, such as Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist, without detailing specific denominations. Service members have the option to identify as “no religion,” “other religions,” or agnostic. Additionally, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, the Baha’i faith, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are included.

The Unitarian Universalist Association expressed concern that the change could hinder access to necessary spiritual care for their members in uniform. They are developing strategies to support Unitarian Universalists serving in the military.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, known for incorporating his evangelical Christian beliefs into his leadership at the Pentagon, initiated these changes. He cited the unwieldy nature of the large number of faith codes as the reason for this streamlining.

However, Rev. Paul Raushenbush, head of the progressive Interfaith Alliance, criticized the move. He argued that it elevates a specific religious perspective in violation of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing a hierarchy of faiths.

The military is religiously diverse. A 2019 congressional report revealed that nearly 70% of troops identified as Christian, while almost a quarter were listed as ‘other,’ unclassified, or unknown.

Irene Glasse, a pagan religious professional and Marine Corps veteran, highlighted the importance of acknowledging minority religions, noting that many from these traditions have served honorably.

Associated Press obtained support for this report through collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for the content.