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In recent weeks there has been an increased interest in the possibility of a military draft and the Church of the Brethren’s response. Our calls and e-mail communications have increased with individuals and congregations wishing to know how they should educate and alert their youth, and how they could best offer witness to the belief of nonviolence. It is impossible to know at this point whether there will indeed be a draft. There are, however, many indications and situations that point to this being a very real possibility. In our recent Center on Conscience & War board retreat, there were many scenarios given for a draft developing within the next year. Our administration has made it clear that this war on terrorism will continue. To simply maintain the military forces already present in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places around the world will require additional personnel. To escalate military operations – or engage another country – will push the limits as to military personnel available through the regular military forces. In this case, military conscription would be deemed necessary by the Pentagon. At present there is a bill in House committee that calls for military conscription. This bill (HR 163) was presented by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) in early spring and renewed efforts have begun to try and move this forward. Rangel’s bill fails to allow provisions for conscientious objectors who cannot, in good conscience, participate in military service. The current provisions only allow for non-combatant CO status. Only at the discretion of the President will objectors be allowed transfers to civilian service.
The Church of the Brethren is clear in its understanding towards military engagement and military conscription. According to the 1970 Annual Conference Statement on War, “The Church of the Brethren feels constrained by Christ's teachings to lead its people to develop convictions against war. The church cannot concede to the state the authority to conscript citizens for military training or military service against their conscience. The church will seek to fulfill its prophetic role in this matter in two ways: by seeking to change political structures and by influencing individual members. The church will seek to use its influence to abolish or radically restructure the system which conscripts persons for military purposes. The church pledges its support and continuing fellowship to all of our draft-age members who face conscription. We recognize that some feel obligated to render full or noncombative military service and we respect all who make such a decision. We commend to all of draft age, their parents, counselors, and fellow members, the alternative positions of (1) Alternative Service as conscientious objectors engaging in constructive civilian work, or (2) open, nonviolent noncooperation with the system of conscription. The church pledges itself to renew and redouble its effort to interpret to the membership of the church at all levels of the church's life these positions which we believe are in harmony with the style of life set forth in the gospel and as expressed in the historic faith and witness of our church” (AC, 1970). It is our commitment in the months ahead to be able to offer to the Church and to the youth of our communities the education, support, and encouragement needed to make decisions of faith and conscience in regards to military participation and support.
This has been the commitment of the Brethren Witness and Washington Offices of the Church of the Brethren for decades. On our web pages you will find information regarding how you can politically engage Congress and the Administration. Read our Actions Alerts from October 17th or November 7th, both describing how YOU can contact your representatives in Congress and oppose the current draft legislation. Also, visit our page on Conscientious Objection and learn how you or your children can begin to establish and develop a documented history as a person of non-violence. We also recommend the website of the Center on Conscience & War at www.nisbco.org for more information. The Center maintains a hotline for Conscientious Objectors already in the military at 1-800-379-2679. There are Conscientious Objector Packets and information available to congregations, districts, and individuals. You can attain these packets by calling the office at 1-800-785-3246, or e-mail. Thank you, Phil Jones E-Mail: pjones_gb@brethren.org
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