يتبع وزير الحرب ..مكتب للشؤون الدينية يثير الجدل داخل «البنتاغون»

In a new step reflecting the growing presence of religious discourse within the "Pentagon," U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the establishment of an Office of Religious Affairs, indicating that the office, which he directly oversees, will provide religious support to military personnel, at a time when the move has sparked criticism regarding the role Christianity may play within the U.S. military institution.

Hegseth announced the creation of the Office of Religious Affairs (ORA) during a speech he delivered last Wednesday.

What will the new office do?

According to a Pentagon memo, the new office will work to support military chaplains and enhance religious support services within the Department of Defense "at the highest level."

The department emphasizes that the office will not compel military personnel to participate in religious activities, will not favor one doctrine over another, and will not infringe on the rights of service members who belong to any religion or those who do not adhere to any faith.

According to the memo, the office director will coordinate spiritual resources, including supporting faith-based homeschooling for military families.

Is U.S. Army policy changing?

The announcement has drawn criticism from organizations concerned with the separation of church and state, including "Americans United for Separation of Church and State." The organization's president, Rachel Laser, stated that the Pentagon is responsible for protecting the religious freedom of service members, arguing that Hegseth's announcement grants Christianity a larger role in U.S. military policy.

The organization had previously filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon regarding worship services organized for employees.

A previous experience in U.S. administrations

The existence of offices concerned with religious affairs within the U.S. government is not a new phenomenon, as similar offices were established in several federal agencies during the administration of former President George W. Bush, and continued in various forms during the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

President Donald Trump created a Faith Office in the White House, and his first term saw similar efforts.

Sean Casey, a researcher specializing in religious studies who headed the Office of Religion and Global Affairs at the State Department during the Obama administration, stated that the office at that time was not concerned with promoting religion or enhancing spiritual well-being.

He explained that its mission was to understand the political implications of religion and religious practices in conflict areas around the world.

Hegseth redefines the role of chaplains

Hegseth's vision for the new office goes beyond its establishment to reshape the role of chaplains within the armed forces.

The Pentagon memo refers to "faith-based" initiatives to support the department's efforts in reducing suicide rates, at a time when the U.S. military increasingly relies on chaplains to assist service members facing stress and mental health issues. The military has made changes to the structure of military chaplains, who are officers tasked with providing spiritual care to service members.

Under Hegseth's directives, chaplains no longer wear their military ranks on their uniforms, and their identification is now through religious insignia.

In another change, the Department of Defense has reduced the number of officially recognized religious affiliations to 31 traditions, down from a list that included over 200 traditions. The new list no longer includes atheists, Unitarian Universalists, pagans, and Wiccans.

The establishment of the Office of Religious Affairs comes at a time when Hegseth is pushing for a series of changes within the Department of Defense, including the role of chaplains and the spiritual services provided to military personnel and their families.