I AM hoping someone can explain to me the official army policy concerning non-Christian religions.
I have read DI (A) PERS 170-2 - all two pages of it, which contains no reference whatsoever to non-Christian or pagan religions.
In addition, there appears to be no comment made in relation to compulsory attendance at church parades.
Since our involvement with East Timor, church parades have become increasingly popular within many units.
Within my own, I have heard many soldiers informed that they will attend such parades.
I can understand the need to differentiate between soldiers who merely dislike church but, as a soldier who distinctly follows a religion which does not accommodate the same beliefs as Christians, I am appalled that I can still be made to attend a church parade.
Like many other soldiers, I have questioned the attitude of compulsory church parades, with an unsatisfactory outcome.
To be forced, with threat of disciplinary action, to attend a Christian ceremony which defies my own beliefs seems to be discriminatory.
The religious argument has fallen on deaf ears in every unit with which I have served. I am interested to know if the army has a policy which can give me the same support as all the mainstream religions out there, or if this is yet another subject where the military qualifies for legal discrimination.

Name and unit details provided
Withheld at author's request

Principal Chaplain - Army, Peter Woodward replies:
THE ADF policy on religion and spirituality has always been two-fold. It is a very important part of life and it must be freely chosen by each individual.
The DI quoted does not mention pagan religions but does mention several non-Christian religions and says that every "effort is to be made to allow members of any faith group to practice their faith according to their own particular observances."
I can only guess that, in the case of compulsory church parades, the enthusiasm for the event or the genuinely felt need for the occasion, resulted in those in command expecting everyone to join in.
Chaplains serve the army community in their relationship with God - the faith of the individual's choice.
Anyone who has difficulty with the practise of their chosen faith or in being made to attend a religious activity which conflicts with their beliefs, should seek the support of a chaplain who will represent their cause to the command chain.