Prayer Ban Still in Effect for Military Chaplains Ahead of Remembrance Day

A person touches the helmet on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after laying a poppy, at the National War Memorial following the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2022. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Military chaplains participating in upcoming Remembrance Day ceremonies are still prohibited from reciting a prayer, a year after the new policy caused a stir.

After the introduction of the new directive in October 2023, backlash had caused Chaplain General Brig.-Gen. Guy Bélisle to permit a one-time use of the previous policy allowing prayer for Remembrance Day that year. Bélisle also said he would strike a committee to review the new policy.

A year later, the committee has yet to make recommendations. Chaplains have also been reminded this week there will be no exceptions granted for this year’s Remembrance Day, according to internal emails from Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) chaplains in leadership positions seen by The Epoch Times.

“As the 2023 directive has now been in effect for the last year, with chaplains offering reflections, all chaplains are to follow the 2023 directive on spiritual reflections,” Department of National Defence (DND) spokesperson Derek Abma confirmed to The Epoch Times in a statement, referencing the new directive that prohibits prayers for chaplains in official functions. Abma also said the work of the committee is “ongoing.”

New Directive

Chaplain General Bélisle issued his new directive on “spiritual reflections in public settings” on Oct. 11, 2023. It replaced the previous policy from 2013 on “public prayer at military ceremonies.” It applies to mandatory military events, such as Remembrance Day.

Chaplains in the military represent various faiths and are a key resource to support the morale and well-being of troops. Prior to the October 2023 directive, they were authorized to recite a prayer with faith-specific language during an official function, if preceded by a preamble inviting those of different beliefs to reflect or pray based on their own inclinations.

A Canadian Forces chaplain conducts a memorial wreath dedication held by members of the United States Coast Guard International Ice Patrol at a Titanic memorial service in Halifax on April 15, 2010. The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan

The new policy does away with the word “prayer” altogether as a permitted practice and replaces it with “spiritual reflections,” citing the evolving legal and social context of Canada. The directive says chaplains must respect the religious neutrality of the state and follow principles of diversity and inclusion.

“When delivering a reflection in a public service setting, chaplains must carefully choose words that are inclusive,” says the directive. “They should employ a language mindful of the Gender Based Analysis (GBA+) principles.”

Soldiers are not required anymore to remove their headdress during the pronouncement of a spiritual reflection, given the occasion is not considered a religious event.

The new directive also replaced the respective religious symbols on the chaplains’ scarves with the logo of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. “Chaplains must consider the potential that some items or symbols may cause discomfort or traumatic feelings when choosing the dress they wear during public occasions,” says the directive.

Chaplains who do not follow the directive, such as by uttering the words “God” or “Jesus Christ” during an official military function, can face disciplinary and remedial measures. DND spokesperson Abma said the Chaplain General’s approach to implementation of this directive “is one based in education and mentorship rather than discipline and sanction.”

Abma said chaplains will be mentored on how to “approach their role with openness, generosity of spirit as representatives of the Crown during mandatory military functions and in how to recognize and respect the diversity embodied in the gathered community being addressed.” He added, however, they are still required to follow direction and guidance as commissioned officers.

Abma said the new directive is about expanding participation in the chaplains’ reflections rather than limiting it. He also noted chaplains can continue to pray in voluntary settings.

‘Frustration’

Bishop Scott McCaig, who is outside the military chain of command but oversees Catholic chaplains in the military, said last year the new policy was causing consternation in the ranks.

“I have heard from Catholic chaplains and other members of the Military Ordinariate who are experiencing frustration, a sense of betrayal, and even vocational crisis,” he wrote in a statement.

Tory MP and defence critic James Bezan said the prayer ban is an “insult to our veterans.”

“Remembrance Day has long been a spiritual and religious service for many veterans, in recognition of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Canada,” Bezan told The Epoch Times in a statement.

Remembrance Day, celebrated on Nov. 11, falls on Monday this year. The Chaplain General, as customary, will attend the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

“Let this Remembrance Day inspire us to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us. May we be bearers of peace, custodians of compassion, and champions of justice,” reads an excerpt of the spiritual reflection to be delivered by Chaplain General Bélisle.