Latest ""
Opinion
How ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Happy Holidays’ reflect US military values
In this op-ed, an Army chaplain discusses how the military's commitment to religious freedom demonstrates the principles troops are sworn to defend.
By Chaplain (Maj.) Jordan Henricks
Judge allows 2 military officers refusing COVID jab to continue serving for now
The Navy and the Marine Corps “have failed manifestly” to meet the requirements of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, said Judge Steven Merryday
By Dennis Joyce
Another Marine receives a religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine
No other U.S. military branch has yet approved any religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine.
By Philip Athey
Troops find religious exemption for COVID-19 vaccines unattainable
Obtaining a religious exemption is rooted in a process that predates the pandemic and has been used for decisions such as whether troops on duty can wear head coverings or beards for religious reasons.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Oklahoma Guard goes rogue, rejects COVID vaccine mandate after sudden change of command
Less than 24 hours after an unexpected change of command, the Oklahoma National Guard rejected the Pentagon's vaccine mandate.
By Davis Winkie
Troops with ‘personal religious or moral beliefs about homosexuality’ deserve respect, says retired Army general who led ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ report in 2010
Retired Army Gen. Carter F. Ham urges today's defense secretary to "respect service members who have beliefs opposed to LGBTQI+ behaviors and conduct."
By Carter Ham
Pentagon unveils new religious liberty policies after pressure from conservative lawmakers
While critics of the new regulation are concerned that this will encourage military superiors to push their religious beliefs on their fellow service members, proponents of the rule have hailed it a victory for religious liberty.
By Diana Stancy
Unhappy with Pentagon’s religious liberty guidance, lawmakers set up meeting with top defense official
A group of conservative lawmakers have demanded a meeting with Defense Secretary Mark Esper to talk about religious liberty issues.
By Kent Miller
Navy regs update religious headgear in uniform, provides rules for beard chits
Sikh sailors are now allowed to wear turbans, unless they interfere with protective gear.
Navy, Air Force chaplains must end in-person worship like Army did, advocacy group says
Navy and Air Force policies are in contrast to the Army, which closed all chapels in the United States and Europe.
By Kyle Rempfer
Navy chaplain’s ‘Lead Like Jesus’ message roils command staffs
Did chaps cross the line dividing church from state at the Navy base?
By Carl Prine