This directive comes in spite of the Canadian national anthem’s mention of the line asking God to keep Canada “glorious and free.”
minute read
The Canadian Armed Forces has issued new guidance directing military chaplains to forbid religious-specific language, including that of Christians and including references to God, during public ceremonies and official events. This directive comes in spite of the Canadian national anthem’s mention of the line asking God to keep Canada “glorious and free.”
The policy, issued July 29 by the Chief of Military Personnel, states that “spiritual reflections” delivered in military settings must remain inclusive and cannot include religious language tied to a specific faith tradition, including Christianity.
The new instruction applies to all CAF members and those providing spiritual or religious services in support of the military. It replaces previous guidance from the Chaplain General on spiritual reflections in public settings.
According to the policy, spiritual reflections are intended to promote resilience, meaning, purpose, and spiritual well-being while respecting members from different religious and non-religious backgrounds.
“Spiritual reflections do not use religious specific language, including references to God, etc. They reflect upon lessons learned, beliefs, values, and experiences to inspire gratitude, remembrance, hope, and integrity,” the document states.
The directive says the CAF must maintain religious neutrality during public duties and that members have the right to freedom of religion, including the freedom to hold no religious beliefs, just not during government duries.
The policy covers military ceremonies including those in public and and events including graduation parades, change of command ceremonies, ship commissioning events, awards ceremonies, seasonal dinners, and commemorative events such as Remembrance Day.
Under the Liberal Party’s new rules, when prayers or religious observances are requested at official military events, chaplains must instead provide a “spiritual reflection” without mention of God.
The instruction also says the change does not prevent chaplains from providing religious care in private settings, including counselling, faith-specific gatherings, worship services, or requested religious rites.
“This policy does not limit a chaplain’s personal beliefs or ability to provide spiritual or religious care,” the CAF stated. “It defines the boundaries of appropriate language during public military ceremonies where chaplains act as representatives of the CAF rather than their own SFT,” the directive claims.
Join and support independent free thinkers!
We’re independent and can’t be cancelled. The establishment media is increasingly dedicated to divisive cancel culture, corporate wokeism, and political correctness, all while covering up corruption from the corridors of power. The need for fact-based journalism and thoughtful analysis has never been greater. When you support The Post Millennial, you support freedom of the press at a time when it’s under direct attack. Join the ranks of independent, free thinkers by supporting us today for as little as $1.
To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy