The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc. has deep concern about the Department of Defense’s decision to remove many religious affiliation codes from military records. For our members, this is not a bureaucratic change—it is the erasure of their specifically chosen religious identities from their military records as Unitarian Universalists, as well as Earth-centered, Indigenous, Pagan, Wiccan, Druid, Heathen, Asatru, and many other UU-aligned spiritual traditions.
The history of Unitarian Universalism shaped the beginnings of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps in September 1775, with George Washington’s appointment of the Universalist Rev. John Murray as one of the first chaplains. Rev. Dr. Samuel West supported the Continental Army through intelligence work against the British loyalists. Chaplain William Emerson stood with the militia at the Battle of Concord during the Revolutionary War’s beginnings. Our UU tradition has always fought for freedom, dignity, and the right of every person to follow their own spiritual path.
In this milestone year—our nation’s 250th birthday—this decision runs counter to the founders’ hopes of creating a country that honors all people and protects religious freedom. It honors members of the Armed Forces who serve our country and whose diverse beliefs enrich and strengthen the military community’s oath to defend and protect our country's Constitution.
While UU chaplains remain recognized, many Unitarian Universalists and Earth-centered service members will no longer be able to name their faith in their own personnel records. This threatens their access to spiritual care, end‑of‑life support, religious accommodation, and the pastoral presence they deserve. It risks leaving people without guidance in their most vulnerable moments.
A broad category cannot hold a person’s whole identity. Removing these designation codes risks further erasure and further harm.
We stand with the Unitarian Universalist Association, with all Earth-centered traditions, and with every faith removed from this list. Our religious community members in the military have served with the same devotion as any other American.
And we affirm, as Unitarian Universalist Pagans, wholeheartedly, the UUA’s words:
“No government action can erase our faith nor lessen the powerful and necessary grounding it provides for those who serve.”
In Service,
The Board of Directors,
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc.
