Left-wing members of Canada’s Parliament backtracked on a policy prohibiting military chaplains from leading prayer during Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The original directive obtained by The Epoch Times stated, “While the dimension of prayer may occupy a significant place for some of our members, we do not all pray in the same way; for some, prayer does not play a role in their lives.”
“Therefore, it is essential for chaplains to adopt a sensitive and inclusive approach when publicly addressing military members.”
Under the directive, a chaplain would be unable to refer to the Bible or allude to God. Instead, “spiritual reflection” was to be “inclusive” and “respectful of the religious and spiritual diversity of Canada.”
Conservative Member of Parliament Blake Richards confronted the policy, telling members of Parliament, “Each year on November 11, Canadians remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, but now under this Liberal government, our military chaplains are being told they can’t even pray for the fallen.”
“Now the prime minister is telling Canadians that on Remembrance Day, they can’t even pray for those who fought for our country?” Richards added. “What is going on?”
Let’s be very clear: @CanadianForces chaplains are not – and will not be – banned from prayer on Remembrance Day, nor at any other time.
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) October 19, 2023
The Chaplain General’s directive seeks to ensure that public addresses reflect the spiritual and religious diversity of Canadians. https://t.co/12gj9kmOl6
Minister of National Defense Bill Blair later confirmed that “chaplains are not – and will not be – banned from prayer on Remembrance Day, nor at any other time.”
Let’s be very clear: @CanadianForces chaplains are not – and will not be – banned from prayer on Remembrance Day, nor at any other time.
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) October 19, 2023
The Chaplain General’s directive seeks to ensure that public addresses reflect the spiritual and religious diversity of Canadians. https://t.co/12gj9kmOl6
