The Defense Department announced a revision to its list of recognized religions, reducing the number from approximately 220 to 31. This new list, which is set to take effect in July, includes major faiths such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and non-religion, with Christian denominations comprising the majority. The Pentagon clarified that this policy is intended to streamline data collection for military chaplains and is not a list of officially approved religions. DOD official Sean Parnell stated that the military values the First Amendment and the free exercise of religion. However, the change has faced criticism from some veterans and military observers, particularly regarding the exclusion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the recognized Christian denominations. The updated policy consolidates many previously recognized faiths into broader categories, leading to the removal of specific designations for various religions, including Messianic, Eckankar, and several others.
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Pentagon Revises List of Recognized Religions, Reducing Total to 31
The Pentagon has revised its list of recognized religions, reducing the total from around 220 to 31, effective July. The new list includes major faiths but has faced criticism for excluding certain groups, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Defense Department states the change aims to streamline data collection for military chaplains.
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Sean Parnell
Pete Hegseth
Mike Lee
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Here is the full list of faiths being unrecognized by the Pentagon
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Pentagon Revises List of Recognized Religions, Reducing Total to 31
