Joint Endorser Concern Regarding Reduction of Religious Affiliation Codes Letter

Without explanation, the Department of Defense (War) removed the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and several other religious traditions from its Religious Affiliation Code list. Service members in our denomination must now identify under a code that does not reflect their faith — or choose the catch-all ‘Other Religion’ designation. Rev. Dr. Jonathan Fisher, DHM Director for Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries, and our Ecclesiastical Endorser, represented the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) well and helped lead an ecumenical response — sending a letter of protest to the Department of War, signed by multiple Christian denominations and religious organizations. We are grateful to our colleagues and partners for standing with us in defense of the religious liberty of those who serve. This letter helps frame the impact of these changes and how the action threatens the work of chaplaincy, and undermines the dignity of persons of faith who dutifully serve the country. We will have more to say about this as a denomination, but in the meantime, we ask that you circulate this ecumenical letter broadly and find ways to make your own voice heard on this issue.