06/07/2026
To those who serve their country with honor and a warrior’s spirit, we speak to you:
Recently, the United States Department of Defense issued new guidelines removing 180 faith affiliations from their list of recognized religious faiths, including Druidry and several other modern Pagan traditions. This means our Druid service members will now be categorized broadly under “Other” in the US military’s religious affiliation codes.
We know that whether the US DoD recognizes a need to care for you or not, you are worthy of care. The work you do is difficult, and having someone who sees your spiritual needs well enough to call them by name is important. Our priests, though often not standing beside you in uniform, remain prepared to discuss your needs and support your work. Our Groves and our communities, including our Military Outreach SIG & Chaplaincy Support Services, remain open to you.
While this decision does not remove recognized religions at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides headstones for many religious needs, this only casts a starker light on an underlying reality: right now, Pagans and Druids currently have more rights in death than in life in the modern American military. Indeed, we must question whether this is an oversight, or a foreshadowing of the removal of that respect for our honored dead, as well.
In ADF, as an endorsing body for the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), we recognize the importance of finding a chaplain who is willing to share your religious experiences and beliefs, and of having that culture of sharing available to hold us and brighten us through life’s toughest trials. We are devastated and angry regarding this announcement and the multitude of ways it will remove support from our service members. As our fight for recognition begins again, we, alongside many of the other removed traditions, declare that “no government action can erase our faith nor lessen the powerful and necessary grounding it provides for those who serve.”
We see you and your work helping others. We see you and your bright ideals of honor. We see you and know that you are still here to defend us and uphold the US Constitution. May you walk in justice, and keep a clear eye toward your duty and honor, as you always have.
--
Rev. Jan Avende
Archdruid of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF)
