Canadian bishops criticize ban on military chaplains referring to God in spiritual reflections
August 20, 2026
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CWN Editor's Note: The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) joined the bishop of the nation’s Military Ordinariate in criticizing a ban on references to God in spiritual reflections by military chaplains.
The Canadian Armed Forces instructed chaplains not to “use religious specific language, including references to God,” in spiritual reflections. Chaplains have been instructed instead to “reflect upon lessons learned, beliefs, values, and experiences to inspire gratitude, remembrance, hope, and integrity.”
The bishops’ conference noted that Bishop Scott McCaig, C.C., of the Military Ordinariate “objects to the new policy” and said that “the CCCB stands in solidarity with Bishop McCaig as he raises these concerns on behalf of the Catholic faithful entrusted to his pastoral care.”
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