Defence Minister Bill Blair is calling the story of a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) directive allegedly banning public prayer by its chaplains Conservative-spread misinformation, while the Epoch Times (which broke the story) now reports that chaplains are leaving the CAF in response to it.
Minister Blair Says Tories Spreading ‘Misinformation’ on New Military Chaplain Directive on Prayer | Epoch Times | Noé Chartier:
October 20, 2023 - "Defence Minister Bill Blair says the Conservative Party is spreading “misinformation” by saying military chaplains are no longer allowed to say prayers during public functions. 'Let’s be very clear: [Canadian Forces] chaplains are not – and will not be – banned from prayer on Remembrance Day, nor at any other time,” Mr. Blair wrote on X on Oct. 19. 'When the Conservatives spread misinformation about our military, we’ll always call it out.'
"The minister was reacting to an Oct. 18 social media post by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre saying the government is banning military chaplains from praying at Remembrance Day ceremonies. 'Our veterans don’t have a prayer under Trudeau,' Mr. Poilievre said.
"The Epoch Times previously reported exclusively on the new directive ... from the Office of the Chaplain General in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The previous directive, in place since 2013 and titled 'Public Prayer at Military Ceremonies,' gave guidelines on how chaplains should conduct prayers, while giving further instructions for inclusion. 'The chaplain shall preface the prayer with remarks that invite those who, for whatever reason, are not disposed to pray, to use that time for silent personal reflection or contemplation as others pray,' it reads.
"The new directive, titled 'Chaplains’ Spiritual Reflection in Public Settings,' doesn’t say that chaplains are allowed to lead prayers, but only 'reflections'. '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,' says the Oct. 11 directive signed by the Chaplain General, Brigadier-General Guy Belisle. 'Public reflections must be done in an appropriate manner to engage all those gathered.' It adds that chaplains need to adopt a 'sensitive and inclusive' approach when addressing CAF members in public'....
"The new directive quotes from a 2015 Supreme Court opinion, which ruled that a city council in Quebec shouldn’t recite a Christian prayer before meetings in order to protect the religious neutrality of the state. The court 'set a strict standard for religious neutrality by the state, which the [Royal Canadian Chaplain Service] has a legal obligation to abide by,' says the directive. 'This requirement is aligned with the principle of inclusion that is paramount within the CAF.'"
Read more: https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/blair-says-tories-spreading-misinformation-on-new-military-chaplain-directive-on-prayer-5513779
Leaked Email Says Chaplains Leaving Military After New Religious Prayer Prohibitions | Epoch Times | Noé Chartier:
October 20, 2023 - "Some military chaplains are leaving the Canadian Armed Forces following a new directive on public prayer, says an internal email sent by a military officer obtained by The Epoch Times. The directive forbids the use of words such as 'God' and 'Heavenly Father,' which active-duty chaplains say in effect means prayers are forbidden.
"The Oct. 19 email was sent by a mid-level officer in personnel management with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to wing commanders and other RCAF 'enior leaders across the country following the rollout of the new directive on Oct. 11. In the email, the officer said she had been “informed that the CA is noticing the release of some Chaplains based on this directive.' 'CA' is likely an acronym for 'Canadian Army.' 'If anyone has noticed a similar trend, please share your findings as it may be worth a discussion,” wrote the officer on Oct. 19....
"Three serving chaplains have told The Epoch Times that to their understanding, the restrictions in the new policy in effect mean that prayers are banned during official ceremonies such [as] Remembrance Day and mess dinners. The chaplains spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals."
Read more: https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/leaked-email-says-chaplains-leaving-military-after-new-religious-prayer-prohibitions-5514285
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