Pentagon Revises Service Member Religion List Amid Backlash

On June 8, 2026, the Department of Defense issued a new list of religious affiliations for service members, removing the broad category of “Christian” after backlash from lawmakers and faith communities. The change follows an earlier decision to reduce the number of recognized faith codes from more than 200 to 31.

The original short list, released by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, grouped 21 distinct traditions under a single “Christian” label while excluding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints. The omission sparked criticism from U.S. senators and representatives, many of whom are members of the affected faith. Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, along with Representative Mike Kennedy, demanded correction, citing the Church’s absence as offensive and a misrepresentation of service members’ beliefs.

In response, the Pentagon removed the “Christian” designation altogether, stating that the earlier classification was “redundant and unnecessary.” The updated table now allows individuals to select from about 20 distinct Christian traditions or identify as Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Bahá’í, or agnostic. The new system also retains options for “no religion,” “other religion,” and “agnostic,” but excludes religions such as Unitarian Universalist, Pagan, and Wiccan from the official codes.

This alteration reflects the Pentagon's stated goal of simplifying the religion coding system while ensuring chaplains can quickly assess their units’ religious composition. The Department maintains that the changes do not endorse or deny the legitimacy of any faith; rather, they aim to streamline resource allocation for warfighters of all backgrounds.

Critics argue that reclassifying or removing certain faiths may marginalize minority religious groups and limit access to spiritual resources. The Unitarian Universalist Association has expressed concern that the omission may hinder its members’ spiritual support, while other faith communities have called for a more inclusive and accurate representation of religious diversity within the military.

Despite the controversy, the Pentagon stresses that the revision reflects feedback from service members and faith leaders. The Department also highlighted the need for a manageable set of codes that align with chaplains’ ability to provide culturally appropriate care.

As the military continues to adjust its approach to religious diversity, the debate over faith categorization underscores the broader conversation about how government institutions recognize and respect individual beliefs.