Two active-duty Canadian military chaplains are questioning why Christian prayer and other faith practices are banned during addresses by military personnel at official ceremonies while indigenous spiritual practices are exempted, saying it amounts to a double standard.
“I do not understand why First Nations are exempt from this policy. This is obviously a double standard,” said one chaplain who asked to remain anonymous because he is currently serving.
“Some faith traditions are apparently more equal than others.”
The Department of National Defence (DND) on July 29 released a new directive that forbids all military personnel from using faith-specific language and practices during official military events, banning the use of words such as “God” and “Heavenly Father,” and directing them to instead offer a “spiritual reflection.” Official events are defined as those relating to government business that military members are mandated to attend….