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Pentagon Cuts Recognized Religious Denominations From 211 to 31

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 11:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs.
Freedom From Religion Foundation will request FOIA records on the office’s budget, staffing, and “spiritual fitness” definition.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State CEO Rachel Laser said the office would raise Christianity’s role in policy.
The Pentagon reduced recognized religious denominations for service members from 211 to 31 under Hegseth’s initiative.

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Story summary

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs.
Freedom From Religion Foundation will request FOIA records on the office’s budget, staffing, and “spiritual fitness” definition.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State CEO Rachel Laser said the office would raise Christianity’s role in policy.
The Pentagon reduced recognized religious denominations for service members from 211 to 31 under Hegseth’s initiative.