Utah lawmakers respond to Pentagon list not classifying Church of Jesus Christ members as Christians
Courtesy Intellectual Reserve
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attend general conference during the afternoon session of general conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.The Department of Defense’s updated religious affiliations list released Friday did not designate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Christian, prompting outcry from Utah lawmakers who are members of the faith.
The U.S. Military’s reduced its list of recognized religions from more than 200 to 31, including 21 religious that were categorized as Christian. Latter-day Saints were placed in their own category.
Utah Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis and Rep. Mike Kennedy urged the Department of Defense to make a change.
“The Pentagon’s decision to list The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apart from other Christian faiths is wrong and needs to be corrected,” Kennedy said via X. “No one needs to wonder where members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stand. We stand with Christ. We are Christians.”
Curtis said it was “unacceptable” for a government entity to make a characterization that “contradicts the religion’s own foundational tenants.” He said he was working to ensure a correction was made.
“Latter-day Saints are among the most patriotic, service-oriented individuals in our country,” Curtis said. “They are unequivocally Christian — just look at who is in the name of the Church.”
