Canadian Armed Forces expands ban on prayer at official ceremonies

On July 29, the Canadian Armed Forces issued a new "Spiritual Reflections" directive that extends existing restrictions on public prayer to all CAF members, Department of National Defence employees, contractors and volunteers. The policy bars the use of faith‑specific language or references to God during official military events such as graduation parades, change‑of‑command ceremonies, honours presentations and Remembrance Day commemorations, requiring a secular "spiritual reflection" instead.

Exceptions allow private pastoral care, voluntary religious services, and state or military funerals when requested by the deceased or family. Indigenous cultural practices are permitted in official events for educational and historical purposes. The CAF says the measure upholds state religious neutrality and respects Charter rights, while critics, including chaplains, argue it attacks religious freedom and imposes secularism on service members.