Recognized-Religion Code Change Record

PROBLEM: In May 2026 the Department of Defense cut its list of recognized religious affiliation codes from roughly 211 categories to 31 (memorandum by Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata), removing recognition for about 180 belief systems including atheist, humanist, pagan, Wiccan, Druid, and Unitarian — while continuing to list "agnostic" and offering "No Religion" and "Other Religions" categories. A code list that defines who counts was cut by 85% with no public change record attached.

SOLUTION: A recognized-religion code change record: every code added or removed, with its date, its authorizing memo, and the stated reason — so the list that defines recognition is itself on the record.

EVIDENCE BASIS: DOCUMENTED — May 2026 Tata memorandum (Implementation Guidance for Updated Religious Affiliation Codes): recognized religions cut from ~211 to 31; 22 of the 31 are Christian denominations; atheist, humanist, pagan, Wiccan, Druid, and Unitarian removed; "agnostic," "No Religion," and "Other Religions" retained. Reported via Military.com (June 4, 2026) and FFRF (June 5, 2026).