A Conservative motion to study the military’s decision to prevent chaplains from leading prayers during public functions has been rejected by other parties. Bloc Québécois MP Luc Désilets expressed his disapproval of the motion, stating that while he respects chaplains, he would vote against it as it is not related to Veterans Affairs. MPs from the Liberal, Bloc, and NDP also voted against the motion.
The motion was tabled during a committee meeting where women veterans were testifying on their experiences, causing further displeasure among MPs. The motion, presented by Conservative MP Blake Richards, was in response to a new directive released by the Office of the Chaplain General on Oct. 11, which removes prayer from official military ceremonies.
According to the Chaplain General, the military must adhere to the principle of state neutrality in religious affairs, and chaplains are required to have a sensitive and inclusive approach when publicly addressing military members. The Department of National Defence stated that the directive effectively prohibits chaplains from using specific religious language during public functions.
In support of his motion, Mr. Richards referenced excerpts from the poem “In Flanders Field” and the Canadian national anthem, questioning whether these references would also be banned during Remembrance Day ceremonies. He emphasized the importance of Remembrance Day ceremonies in honoring veterans and proposed a review of the situation.
Ministers have clarified that chaplains can still pray on Remembrance Day, but the directive prevents them from doing so in an official capacity. The previous directive allowed chaplains to recite a prayer inclusive of non-believers, but this provision has been removed from the new directive.
Bishop Scott McCaig, who oversees Catholic chaplains in the military, expressed frustration and a sense of betrayal in a statement. He raised concerns that the new policy significantly undermines the effectiveness of chaplains and even threatens the existence of the Royal Canadian Chaplains Service.