Department of Defense Reduces Recognized Religious Faiths to 31

The Department of Defense has officially reduced its list of recognized religious faiths and belief systems from approximately 211 to 31, marking the first revision since March 27, 2017. This change was outlined in a memorandum issued on May 20, 2026, by Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata. The revision aims to streamline the collection of religious preferences for service members and enhance the delivery of religious support from the Chaplaincy. The new list includes major faiths such as Agnosticism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and various Christian denominations, while excluding minority faiths such as Atheism, Asatru, and Wicca. The decision follows a broader administrative push under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has emphasized prioritizing religious liberty and practice within the military. Critics have expressed concerns regarding the implications of this change on the free exercise of religion for all service members. The Department of Defense has not responded to inquiries regarding the rationale behind the changes or potential impacts on morale.