Catholic Military Diocese Says Prayer Ban Violates Charter by Forcing Chaplains to Deliver Non-Religious ‘Spiritual Reflections’
The Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada says the military’s prayer ban at official events undermines the principle of state neutrality on religion and may violate the Charter in several ways, including by requiring chaplains to avoid mentioning God or using faith-specific language when delivering mandatory “spiritual reflections.” The concerns were noted in a recent statement by Bishop Scott McCaig, who serves as Military Ordinary of Canada, the authority that oversees Catholic ministry and spiritual needs in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). McCaig said discussions are taking place with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as other interfaith partners before the Ordinariate issues a formal position. He said the new CAF policy already raises a number of key concerns....
The Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada believes the Canadian Armed Forces’ prayer ban at official events may violate the Charter. Bishop Scott McCaig noted that the policy could undermine state neutrality on religion by requiring chaplains to avoid faith-specific language in ‘spiritual reflections.’ Discussions are ongoing with interfaith partners before a formal position is issued.
- The Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada has concerns about the military’s prayer ban at official events.
- They argue the ban undermines state neutrality on religion and may violate the Charter.
- A key concern is that chaplains might be required to avoid mentioning God or using faith-specific language in ‘spiritual reflections.’
- Bishop Scott McCaig, Military Ordinary of Canada, voiced these concerns in a recent statement.
- The Ordinariate is discussing the issue with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and other interfaith partners.
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