‘Controversy Surrounding Military Reflection Ban Sparks Debate on Remembrance Day’

November 9, 2024 TruthUSA

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre raised objection this week that military chaplains “are banned from prayers at Remembrance Day ceremonies.”

Defence Minister Bill Blair in turn said that the military Chaplain General “never did ban prayer.”

With conflicting claims being made, it may be unclear what exactly has changed with the Chaplain General’s new directive issued last year. Understanding the words used by politicians and the military chaplaincy command is crucial to discern what is now forbidden and allowed by the military.

Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Legion, the organizer of the National Remembrance Day ceremony, has also issued a statement on the matter.

The non-profit veterans’ organization has stated that prayer remains an integral part of Remembrance Day ceremonies. However, it clarified that while military chaplains are required to adjust their language during the ceremonies, “other spiritual representatives” (non-military chaplains) are not prohibited from praying to God or a higher power at these events.

The Change

The new directive by Chaplain General Brig.-Gen. Guy Bélisle, issued on Oct. 11, 2023, replaced the previous directive titled “Public Prayer at Military Ceremonies,” which had been in effect since 2013.

In the prior directive, chaplains were instructed to invite non-praying attendees to engage in silent personal reflection while others prayed.

The new directive acknowledges that prayer may not resonate with everyone. Instead, it advises chaplains to conduct inclusive reflections during mandatory military ceremonies like Remembrance Day events.

Chaplains are instructed to make sure these reflections are inclusive, allowing people of different beliefs (religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist) to participate without reservations.

According to a Department of National Defence (DND) spokesperson, as part of the new requirements, chaplains are not to use expressions like ‘God’ or ‘Heavenly Father’ during public military events.

Chaplain General Bélisle explained that the new directive was necessitated by a 2015 Supreme Court ruling mandating state neutrality, a legal obligation for the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service to adhere to.

The directive also outlines disciplinary measures for those who fail to comply.

2023 Reactions and Exemption

Last year’s new directive sparked strong opposition from numerous chaplains, as reported by The Epoch Times. An internal email dated Oct. 19, 2023, noted a growing number of Chaplains leaving the military due to this directive.

During that time, Conservative Leader Poilievre and Minister Blair engaged in a debate concerning the issue. While Poilievre accused the government of suppressing prayers during military ceremonies, Blair refuted the claim, stating that chaplains were not and would not be disallowed from praying.

To address the backlash, Chaplain General Bélisle granted an exemption ahead of the 2023 Remembrance Day, permitting chaplains to conduct ceremonies following the previous practices.

He also announced the formation of a committee to review the new directive, which is still in progress with no final conclusions yet.

DND’s Derek Abma reiterated that all chaplains must adhere to the new directive, a reminder issued prior to this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Latest Statements

Once again, Conservatives have raised concerns this year about the restrictions imposed on chaplains during Remembrance Day ceremonies, prompting responses from the Liberal government.

Conservative Party Leader Poilievre highlighted the ban on chaplains offering prayers during Remembrance Day on the X platform on November 8.

The Tories also called for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs to reconvene and address the issue raised by Conservative MP Chris Warkentin in the House of Commons.

Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde responded to Warkentin’s comments, emphasizing that the directive issued by the Chaplain General did not ban prayer but aimed to promote inclusivity in chaplains’ public addresses during military events.

Minister Blair reemphasized that the directive did not prohibit prayer and accused the Conservatives of spreading misinformation for political gain.

In response, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner accused the government of removing the word “prayer” from the directive and distorting the facts.

Conservative MP Frank Caputo referred to a statement by Bishop Scott McCaig, expressing concerns about the new directive potentially favoring non-religion over religion, despite the previous policy accommodating various beliefs.

Noé Chartier contributed to this report.

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