Archbishop Broglio slams US Army’s chapel contract cuts, warning they harm Catholic soldiers’ religious freedom by overburdening chaplains.
Newsroom (20/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a pointed critique, Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services has condemned the US Army’s decision to terminate chapel contracts, arguing it severely undermines the religious freedom of Catholic service members. The move, announced by the US Army Installation Management Command, eliminates contracts for Coordinators of Religious Education (CRE), Catholic Pastoral Life Coordinators (CPLC), and chapel musicians, a decision Broglio says “disproportionately harms Catholics” in the military.
In a pastoral letter also sent to all members of Congress, Broglio warned that the cancellations overburden Catholic chaplains, weaken chapel communities, and infringe on the constitutional guarantee of free exercise of religion. According to a report cited by the Catholic News Agency, the military employs roughly six Protestant chaplains per 1,000 Protestant soldiers, compared to just one Catholic chaplain per 1,000 Catholic soldiers. This disparity, Broglio argued, exacerbates the impact of the contract terminations on Catholic personnel.
“While the cancellation of chapel contracts may seem like a neutral cut to chapel support, it disproportionately affects Catholics,” Broglio stated. He highlighted the critical role of CREs, CPLCs, and musicians in supporting Catholic chaplains, who are already stretched thin due to their low numbers and high demand. These roles, he noted, are vital for delivering ongoing religious education and sacramental preparation, which are central to the Catholic faith.
Broglio emphasized that the terminated contracts supported essential functions, including overseeing religious education, coordinating catechist training for thousands of volunteers, and ensuring the availability of proper materials. “These professionals have been indispensable in assisting Catholic priest chaplains,” he said, underscoring their role in sustaining vibrant faith communities within military chapels.
The archbishop’s letter calls for urgent reconsideration of the Army’s decision, warning that it risks undermining the spiritual well-being of Catholic soldiers and their families.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Catholic Herald
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