Pentagon removes ‘Christian’ label from LDS church in religious code update
7 reported
The Department of Defense over the weekend released a new list of religious affiliation categories for military service members, reducing the number from over 200 to 31 labels. The list included the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a religion but did not label it as "Christian," prompting criticism from Mormon elected officials including Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT). On Monday, the Pentagon said the omission was unintentional and amended the original document, with an official statement saying the Pentagon's job is not to adjudicate theological debates. Secretary Pete Hegseth had previewed the reform in March as part of the Trump administration's fight against secular humanism, arguing it would make it easier to assign chaplains to units. The controversy highlighted longstanding theological differences between LDS beliefs and mainstream Christianity, including the LDS church's rejection of the Nicene Creed. Some LDS voices on the left argued the episode showed the faith should be wary of tying itself to a political coalition.
What’s reported
The Pentagon reduced religious affiliation categories from over 200 to 31 labels.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was included but not labeled "Christian."
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) publicly criticized the decision, posting multiple complaints on X.
The Pentagon on Monday said the move was unintentional and amended the original document.
Hegseth argued the reform was part of fighting secular humanism and for religion in public life.
The LDS church rejects the Nicene Creed, which unites most Catholic, Orthodox, and mainline Protestant churches.
Some LDS voices on the left said the episode showed the faith should be wary of political coalitions.
Key figures
Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Sen. John Curtis (R-UT)
David Campbell, professor of American politics and religion at the University of Notre Dame
Eric Biggart, chair of the LDS Dems Caucus
McKay Coppins, LDS journalist
Robert Jeffress, Texas evangelical pastor
Sources: vox.com
