Pentagon Cuts 180 Religions From Recognized List
The Pentagon has reportedly reduced the number of officially recognized faiths and belief systems for service members from approximately 211 to 31. This change, aimed at providing chaplains with clearer information to meet religious support needs, has drawn sharp criticism from a former Army chaplain who deems it a violation of the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom. While major religions and several Christian denominations will remain recognized, a number of minority faiths, including Atheism, Paganism, and Wicca, are reportedly being removed from the list. These adjustments follow earlier statements by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who argued the previous system was impractical and that a significant majority of service members utilize only a few religious codes.
John Q. Hosedrinker