Conference of Catholic Bishops Calls on Armed Forces to Reconsider Prayer Ban
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is urging the Canadian Armed Forces to reconsider a recent directive banning members from using religious language at official military events, saying the policy violates Charter-protected rights. The CCCB said in an Aug. 18 statement that it “stands in solidarity” with concerns recently raised by Bishop Scott McCaig, […]
TL;DR
- The CCCB is urging the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to reconsider a directive banning religious language at official military events.
- The CCCB states the policy violates Charter-protected rights.
- Bishop Scott McCaig, head of the Military Ordinariate of Canada, raised concerns that the policy may violate state neutrality on religion and infringe on religious beliefs.
- McCaig argues the policy requires a separation of meaning, purpose, and spiritual well-being from God, conflicting with Charter protections for freedom of conscience and religion.