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Pentagon Drops LDS Church From Christian List

6/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pentagon reversed its classification of the LDS Church as non-Christian after Utah senators objected.
The Defense Department issued a revised list of 31 religious codes that removes the LDS Church from the Christian category.
Senators Mike Lee, John Curtis and Rep. Mike Kennedy praised the change, noting Lee spoke with President Donald Trump and asserting the government should not decide who is Christian.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the Pentagon’s religious classification listed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints among 31 non-Christian codes, sparking congressional criticism. Decades of chaplaincy disputes—such as the 2007 Navy “thirds” ruling and the 2017 memo creating 211 faith codes—show a pattern of DoD-driven redefinitions. Utah senators’ objection led the Defense Department to delete the LDS entry.

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Story summary

Pentagon reversed its classification of the LDS Church as non-Christian after Utah senators objected.
The Defense Department issued a revised list of 31 religious codes that removes the LDS Church from the Christian category.
Senators Mike Lee, John Curtis and Rep. Mike Kennedy praised the change, noting Lee spoke with President Donald Trump and asserting the government should not decide who is Christian.

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