Soldiers told to downplay religious aspect of Remembrance

The Army is telling UK soldiers that acts of remembrance on Armistice Day should be ‘agnostic of religious elements and separated from Remembrance Services’, according to a leaked policy document.

The 2022 document, Policy, Guidance and Instructions on Inclusive Behaviours, seen by The Telegraph, reportedly states: ‘Acts of remembrance, and others, should be inclusive and seek to avoid being conducted as a wholly religious event’ – and suggests religious services could be held afterwards.

Publication of the document prompted a scathing open letter from retired senior military personnel to Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. They expressed anger and called for ‘root and branch removal’, writing: ‘We feel compelled to write to you with a sense of sadness, incredulity and anger having viewed astonishing evidence of the depth and pervasiveness of the racist and intolerant ‘Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity’ ideology being pushed within HM Armed Forces.

‘We see these facts… as the perpetration of monumental self-harming and, as such, a real and present threat to national security that will give aid and comfort to the King's enemies… To remove Christianity from Acts of Remembrance is also a particular insult to our ancestors who fought and died to lead the world in ending slavery and twice in the last century to save our islands from conquest by extreme regimes.

‘No-one should need to be reminded that this is a welcoming, inclusive and basically Christian country. Our civic culture on 11th November is sacred, Christian, tolerant and inclusive on our terms.’

The 12 signatories include Major General Julian Thompson and Lieutenant General Sir Henry Beverly.

John Surtees, lead communications officer for The Soldiers’ and Aviators’ Scripture Readers Association (SASRA), said: ‘This latest development in the national abandonment of Christian culture is no surprise. Despite our shared national heritage and the Christian foundations of much of British society including the values and standards of our Armed Forces, today many do not share the traditional Christian values they inherited and are rejecting cultural Christianity.

‘In some ways, this can benefit those who treasure a firm Christian faith as it creates a sharper distinction between Christians and the world around us.’

He added that they welcome the guidance that religious services can continue to be held after the act of Remembrance.

‘SASRA encourages Christians in the military community to be bold in practising their distinctive faith in a multi-faith society,’ said Surtees.  

* SASRA recently appointed two new Scripture Readers. Alan Jordan started work part-time at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK); and Peter Woodward is due to start this autumn once his military service is completed.