US establishes office of religious affairs

The United States Department of War has established an Office of Religious Affairs to enhance the "moral, ethical and spiritual readiness" of American military personnel. This move, announced in a memorandum distributed to senior Pentagon leadership, commanders of combatant commands, and directors of defence agencies, comes into effect immediately.

The new office will be led by a Director who will serve as a Principal Staff Assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War, ensuring they are the principal advisers on religious affairs across the department. The establishment of the Office of Religious Affairs aims to ensure adequate resources are provided for religious affairs and that policies prioritise the free exercise of religion and spiritual readiness across the military.

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