CAF chaplains told not to pray at official Remembrance Day events, but can pray at funerals and faith gatherings

The Story

Social media posts have claimed Canadian Armed Forces chaplains are banned from praying on Remembrance Day or that references to God are prohibited for military personnel.

Those claims conflict with guidance in a directive issued in July 2026, which sets expectations for members called to speak in their capacity at public ceremonies and other events connected to official government business, including Remembrance Day commemorations.

Under the directive, chaplains are expected to replace prayers with “spiritual reflections” during official ceremonies. The policy defines spiritual reflections as a public speech that encourages “meaning, purpose and spiritual well-being,” and states they do not use religiously specific language, including references to God.

The directive also addresses why the restrictions apply in ceremonies, saying the Canadian Armed Forces must uphold and respect Charter rights by maintaining religious and spiritual neutrality when exercising public duties.

The guidance does not amount to a blanket ban on religious practice within the military. The directive says it does not limit members’ personal religious beliefs, and it does not prevent members from invoking God or praying in private or at faith-specific gatherings, including religious services such as mass.

It also provides that chaplains can pray and refer to God at funerals, including military and state funerals, and chaplains can lead prayers in private conversations or at faith-specific events and worship gatherings upon request.

In an emailed statement, the Department of National Defence said the commemorative elements of Remembrance Day ceremonies remain unchanged, including moments of silence, wreath-laying, historical tradition, and recognition of veterans and the fallen. The department added that many faith communities may choose to organize voluntary prayers or religious services at their own Remembrance Day events.

The directive says Indigenous practices may be included for cultural and educational purposes, noting that inclusion supports reconciliation objectives and strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples. It adds that such inclusion must remain consistent with the duty to maintain religious neutrality.