How does one go about changing their religion?

CPL Julie Haas — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 21:07:00 -0400

Asking for a fellow SM. How does one go about changing their religion? He came in with no preference but now wants to acknowledge his Norse Pagan beliefs. How would he do this?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2021 9:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 21:18:45 -0400

Have him talk to a minister. Thank you.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2021 9:39 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 21:39:15 -0400

Minister or Google, personal choice.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Aug 8 at 2021 10:14 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 22:14:49 -0400

He needs to contact personnel at Battalion/Squadron and ask that his religious preference be changed to "Asatru" (Norse gods) or "Pagan." If he has problem, have him contact the chaplain, who can help.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2021 10:27 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 22:27:56 -0400

Changing religious preference is a Personnel Action Request (PAR) in IPPS-A.

And because this will likely be his next question, getting the beard is a longer process involving several interviews with the chaplain, and a memo from the chaplain to get a memo from the BDE CDR.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 8 at 2021 11:28 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 23:28:43 -0400

Depends on what he is trying to accomplish. If he is trying to update his dogtags and all of his paperwork like that have him go to S1. If he is trying to get religious services or guidance have him get with the local Chapel Staff or his Unit Chaplain.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Aug 9 at 2021 1:30 AM

LTC Stephan Porter — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 01:30:59 -0400

Capt Prickett it spot on!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 9 at 2021 9:07 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:07:18 -0400

Just sit down with the S-1 clerk and have them change it I'm IPPS-A. No paperwork, commanders or chaplains required.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Aug 10 at 2021 1:07 AM

SGT Chris Padgett — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 01:07:55 -0400

So, when I go into the Army, I'm at Ft. Sill and I'm filling out a form and the question of religion is on there. I check off No-Pref and think nothing more of it.
A couple weeks later we're getting our dog tags and our D/S are telling us to make sure the info is correct.
My dog tags say Jewish not NOPREF.
Because, you know, the Army would never make a mistake!
I tell my D/S and he basically says all the important info is right, and since I asked for NOPREF a rabbi is just as good as a priest.
Fair enough, I let I go.
Fast forward to 1990 and I'm PORing to go to Dessert Shield and one of the clerks catches the fact my dog tags say Jewish. I'm asked if I'm actually Jewish and if so, I may need modified orders.
I get new tags that say NOPREF and go to Saudi Arabia with the rest of the unit.
One night while we were sitting around, bored out of our skulls, religion comes up.
I tell the story about my old dog tags and my Section chief pipes up that if I had said I was Jewish, I might be sitting in Germany with the rear element instead of the sandbox sweating and playing spades.
This story is in no way helpful to the original question, but I had to sit and listen to old men ramble on today at the VA and now I'm paying it forward.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Aug 12 at 2021 8:32 AM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 08:32:39 -0400

I am old school so bear with me here. You got to S-1, fill out a DA-4187 for change of religion. It's that easy. They don't even ask for you to prove it.

Response by Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2022 11:28 AM

Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:28:19 -0500

It depends on many factors. There are churches in which there is nothing wrong with wanting to be in another religion. Nevertheless, it would be kind of you to let the leadership know, just for the sake of formality. This is a confusing question because I have been serving at https://firstchurchlove.com for about 5 years and have never heard of a situation like this. I don't mean to say that we are the only right dominion, but still most people choose to stay with us after they know the real God. And we are always happy to accept them and bring them to their real Father. I have never heard stories of our brothers and sisters wanting to change all religion.

First Church Love - Home

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 15 at 2022 1:32 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:32:26 -0500

I went from Jewish to Christian Had to provide change information to base personnel office. They updated my AF records. Readiness branch made new dog tags. Probably all done on computer now. Check DEERS.

Response by William Forester made Feb 27 at 2024 6:10 AM

William Forester — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 06:10:03 -0500

That's a big decision for your friend, but it's great that they're exploring their beliefs! Changing religions involves a personal journey of discovery and connection. To acknowledge Norse Pagan beliefs, your friend can start by learning more about the traditions, mythology, and practices associated with Norse Paganism.
If your friend is looking for additional resources or support on their journey, websites like https://www.christianwalls.com/ can provide insights into Norse Paganism from a Christian perspective. Above all, remind your friend to trust their intuition, follow their heart, and embrace the path that resonates most deeply with their soul.

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