Canada Forces ban God from military ceremonies

Canadian military chaplains are now prohibited from using explicit religious references, including mentioning God, during spiritual reflections at certain official ceremonies. The new regulation, instruction CAFMPI 03/26, was issued on July 29 and replaces guidelines that had been in place since October 2023.

The policy applies to government-related activities, such as military or commemorative ceremonies, where service members are required or expected to attend. Under the new rules, commanders, chaplains, and other military members have a moral, ethical, and legal obligation to maintain the religious and spiritual neutrality of the state when delivering these reflections.

Scott McCaig, the bishop of the Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada, denounced the measure as a form of false neutrality. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has also expressed opposition to the rule. Additionally, evangelical organizations have criticized the regulation and formally requested that the government withdraw it.