Pentagon reverses course, restores Latter-day Saints to recognized faiths list after GOP backlash
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By: Ashley Murray - June 8, 2026 1:14 pm
Master baker tier. Every paragraph earns its place on the tray.
Summary
The Pentagon reversed its decision to remove dozens of religious denominations, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from a recognized faiths list used for military chaplain policy. The change came after intense criticism from Utah Republicans, particularly Senator Mike Lee, who called the omission "offensive." The Defense Department updated the list on Monday to reclassify the LDS Church as a Christian denomination, responding to backlash over the Friday policy announcement.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledU.S. Sen. Mike Lee, a member of the church widely known as the Mormon church, said the policy for military chaplains announced Friday was 'offensive' and demanded the Pentagon reverse course
The Pentagon changed course Monday after its removal of dozens of religious denominations from a list of recognized faiths drew intense criticism over the weekend from Utah Republicans
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