Pentagon Reduces Recognized Religions, Sparking Criticism from Veterans
The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced a significant reduction in the number of recognized religions within the U.S. military, cutting approximately 180 religion codes from its previous list of about 220. The new list, which is set to take effect in July, will recognize 31 religious categories, including major world religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Baha'i, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, as well as non-religion. The majority of the recognized categories are Christian denominations. This move is intended to streamline data-gathering for military chaplains, according to a statement from DOD official Sean Parnell. However, the decision has sparked criticism from veterans and military observers, particularly concerning the exclusion of certain groups like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the list of recognized Christian religions. 
