Ascetic X
Well-Known Member
Military.com has learned that the Department of Defense, for the first time in almost 10 years, has dramatically reduced its number of recognized religious faiths and belief systems by approximately 180.
The reforms mark the first time the list has been officially revised since a memo was issued March 27, 2017, decreasing the total number of faiths from 211 to its new number of 31. The changes were iterated in a May 20, 2026, memorandum issued by the Under Secretary of War and signed by Anthony Tata, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness of the United States, and obtained by Military.com.
This latest revision to the faith codes comes at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to the Tata-signed memo, done to “streamline the DoW collection of religious preferences collection for service members to enhance the delivery of targeted religious support from the Chaplaincy.” It calls for the previously instituted faith and belief codes to be revised within a 60-day period from the issuance of the memorandum.
Here are the faiths that no longer appear to be specifically recognized under the new policy, according to an Independent analysis.
Leaders of removed faith and worldview communities, as well as legal advocates, have expressed alarm and outrage, arguing the consolidation strips official recognition and could jeopardize ecclesiastical endorsement of chaplains who serve those traditions; the Military Religious Freedom Foundation called the move unconstitutional and signaled potential legal action, and other groups want the full memo published for clarity . Pagan and Wiccan outlets, along with civil‑liberties and humanist organizations, have publicly demanded transparency about criteria for removal and what accommodations will remain available.
It strips official recognition and could jeopardize ecclesiastical endorsement of chaplains who serve those traditions.
The reforms mark the first time the list has been officially revised since a memo was issued March 27, 2017, decreasing the total number of faiths from 211 to its new number of 31. The changes were iterated in a May 20, 2026, memorandum issued by the Under Secretary of War and signed by Anthony Tata, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness of the United States, and obtained by Military.com.
This latest revision to the faith codes comes at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to the Tata-signed memo, done to “streamline the DoW collection of religious preferences collection for service members to enhance the delivery of targeted religious support from the Chaplaincy.” It calls for the previously instituted faith and belief codes to be revised within a 60-day period from the issuance of the memorandum.
Here are the faiths that no longer appear to be specifically recognized under the new policy, according to an Independent analysis.
- Messianic
- Eckankar
- Heathen
- Native American
- Church of the Spiral Tree
- Troth
- Rosicrucianism
- Dian Wi (Dianic Wicca)
- Sacred Well Congregation
- Druid
- Deism
- Gard Wi (Gardnerian Wicca)
- Shaman
- Seax Wi (Seax Wicca)
- Asatru
- Pagan
- Humanist
- Eastern Religions, Other
- Unitarian Universalist
- Wicca
- Magick And Spiritualist
- Atheist
Leaders of removed faith and worldview communities, as well as legal advocates, have expressed alarm and outrage, arguing the consolidation strips official recognition and could jeopardize ecclesiastical endorsement of chaplains who serve those traditions; the Military Religious Freedom Foundation called the move unconstitutional and signaled potential legal action, and other groups want the full memo published for clarity . Pagan and Wiccan outlets, along with civil‑liberties and humanist organizations, have publicly demanded transparency about criteria for removal and what accommodations will remain available.
It strips official recognition and could jeopardize ecclesiastical endorsement of chaplains who serve those traditions.
