Bishops object to Canadian military banning ‘God’ talk

In new instructions issued on July 29, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) instructed chaplains not to “use religious-specific language, including references to God”, in spiritual reflections. Chaplains have been instructed instead to “reflect upon lessons learned, beliefs, values and experiences to inspire gratitude, remembrance, hope and integrity”.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops noted that Bishop Scott McCaig CC of the nation’s Military Ordinariate objected to the policy, adding that “the CCCB stands in solidarity with Bishop McCaig as he raises these concerns on behalf of the Catholic faithful entrusted to his pastoral care”.

CAF members, including chaplains, are now required to deliver spiritual reflections without words, actions or symbols specific to a particular faith or spiritual tradition. Under the new policy, “CAF members . . . shall uphold the principle of state religious and spiritual neutrality by not using words, actions or symbols that are specific to a particular [spiritual or faith tradition] on the part of the Government of Canada”.

Bishop McCaig stated that, for many people, “meaning, purpose and spiritual wellbeing” cannot be separated from God. He argued that the new policy requires precisely such a separation and therefore conflicts with the protection of the fundamental freedoms of conscience and religion.

The CCCB is studying the new policy and will continue to follow its implementation, particularly with regard to its implications for freedom of conscience and religion and for the place of religious expression within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Bishop McCaig noted that it appears that some changes and refinements were made in the language and application of certain aspects of the full instruction, as compared to earlier working drafts of the policy, and therefore time is required to study the details.

Meetings with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and ecumenical and interfaith partners in military chaplaincy are ongoing, he said.

FULL STORY

Canada military chaplains told not to mention God (Catholic World News)

Statement on spiritual reflection in military settings (Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops)

Statement (Canada Military Ordinariate)