Leaving our Armed Forces without a prayer—literally

Given that their role is to preside over religious observances, on the surface it seems ludicrous to prevent military chaplains from mentioning God or using symbols representative of their own particular religion in public settings.

A new directive addressing spiritual reflections in military settings highlights that these public addresses ‘do not use religious specific language, including references to God, etc.’ Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces

Opinion

BY SCOTT TAYLOR

August 24, 2026

OTTAWA—On July 29, the Canadian Armed Forces issued Military Instruction 03/26, which detailed the new guidelines for “spiritual reflection in military settings.”

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES: