Canadian Bishop: When does state neutrality threaten one’s religious freedom?

September 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Following new instructions barring military chaplains from referencing God in certain contexts, Bishop Scott McCaig speaks to Vatican News about the dangerous precedence this policy can set, the road that led to these instructions, an inter-faith committee dedicated to confronting this policy, and the hope that Canadian Catholics have.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (4) 🌐 Show original

Aleksandar Radovanović

This is worrying. If a military chaplain is not allowed to mention God in some contexts, what will be left of his ministry? I hope that the interfaith committee will manage to change something before similar rules spread here.

Daniela Florea

Yes, it's worrying. A military chaplain who is not allowed to mention the name of God in certain contexts is no longer a chaplain, but an official. I wonder how they will pray with the soldiers before the mission if these rules are followed to the letter. I hope that interfaith committee manages to change something.

Marek Szymański

I agree with Aleksandar, it's really disturbing. If a chaplain in the military can't mention God in certain situations, why is he even there? Prayer before a mission is not a formality, but specific help for soldiers - I hope that this interdenominational committee will make a real difference before similar ideas reach us.

Anca Stan

Yes, you are right, a godless chaplain becomes a kind of administrative advisor. I also wonder how they will fare before missions, especially since Canadian soldiers need concrete prayer, not neutral wording. I hope that committee changes something, otherwise it becomes a bad joke.

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