Pentagon drops ‘Christian’ label entirely after dispute over Latter-day Saints chaplain list

The Pentagon removed the label 'Christian' from a list of recognized religious denominations after Utah Republicans criticized the exclusion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The policy change, reversed following backlash, drew accusations of offending religious principles and disregarding theological disputes over LDS classification. The Pentagon clarified its role is not to adjudicate faith debates but to respect sincerely-held beliefs.