Pentagon Policy Change Excludes 'Christian' Designation for Latter-day Saints

Utah's U.S. Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis have raised concerns regarding a new Pentagon policy that does not classify The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Christian denomination. The Department of War recently reduced the number of religious affiliation categories for service members from over 200 to 31, omitting categories such as 'atheist' and 'humanist.' While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is included in the updated list, it was not designated as 'Christian.' Senator Lee questioned this omission on social media, while Senator Curtis described the characterization as 'unacceptable' and emphasized that Latter-day Saints are 'unequivocally Christian.' The Church's website states that it is a Christian church but distinguishes itself from Catholic and Protestant denominations. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell explained that the reduction in categories aims to enhance spiritual care for service members and does not reflect on the legitimacy of any faith.