The Canadian Armed Forces has tightened rules preventing military chaplains from offering faith-specific prayers at official events where attendance is compulsory, prompting criticism from Catholic leaders and opposition politicians.
The new policy says chaplains “must instead offer a spiritual reflection” when prayers or religious observances are requested at mandatory events.
The rules cover events including graduation parades, change-of-command ceremonies, military dinners and Remembrance Day commemorations.
The Department of National Defence (DND) says the policy is designed to respect religious diversity and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“The aim is for ceremonial moments to bring people together, regardless of belief,” DND said.
Chaplains can still “offer prayer, support religious expression and care” when participation is “voluntary, meaningful, and relevant to the individuals present”.
But Catholic military leaders say the restrictions raise concerns. Bishop Scott McCaig of the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate is working with other faith representatives on a response.
The policy follows a similar 2023 directive. At the time, Bishop McCaig said Catholic chaplains had reported “frustration, a sense of betrayal, and even vocational crisis”.
He warned that restrictions could reduce chaplains to “interchangeable generic counsellors or motivational speakers”.
The new rules do not apply to funerals, private counselling, pastoral care or regular worship. Chaplains can still pray and conduct religious rites in those settings.
The Department of National Defence has not yet answered questions about who drafted the policy, what consultations took place and how it differs from the 2023 directive.
