Pentagon Reclassifies Latter-day Saints as Christian on Religious Designation List

The Defense Department revised its list of religious designations that service members can register after lawmakers raised objections that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not included under the Christian category. The changes followed the release of an earlier list that grouped many religious groups under “Christian” but omitted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Background on the Original List Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier this year announced plans to reduce the number of faith codes available to service members. The initial list drew criticism from members of Congress who argued that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should be classified under the Christian heading.

Officials reworked the policy to address the concerns raised by the lawmakers. The revised list now includes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints within the Christian category.