Conference of Catholic Bishops Calls on Armed Forces to Reconsider Prayer Ban

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is calling on the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to reverse a directive that prohibits religious language at official military events. The CCCB expressed solidarity with Bishop Scott McCaig, who believes the policy infringes upon Charter-protected rights concerning freedom of conscience and religion. The bishops argue that separating one’s spiritual well-being from God, as the policy implies, conflicts with these fundamental freedoms.

• The CCCB is urging the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to reconsider a directive banning religious language at official military events.
• The CCCB states the policy violates Charter-protected rights.
• Bishop Scott McCaig, head of the Military Ordinariate of Canada, raised concerns that the policy may violate state neutrality on religion and infringe on religious beliefs.
• McCaig argues the policy requires a separation of meaning, purpose, and spiritual well-being from God, conflicting with Charter protections for freedom of conscience and religion.