Defense Department says events are voluntary and morale-boosting, but critics warn of perceived coercion, career pressure, and constitutional concerns.
A Christian prayer and worship service scheduled for Feb. 17 in the Pentagon Auditorium is drawing mounting scrutiny after dozens of active-duty service members and defense contractors voiced concerns over invitations distributed through official Department of Defense channels.
The email, circulated to personnel stationed at or with access to the Pentagon, invited recipients to attend a 12 p.m. “Christian prayer and worship service” labeled “SECWAR’S PRAYER SERVICE.” The message included a cross above the service title and encouraged recipients to forward the invitation widely within their organizations.
According to the Pentagon, the service is voluntary and open to all eligible personnel, with livestream access available via the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

