Virtual event for adults will follow on conscientious objection sessions for young people

By Ewan Benjamin

“Well, guess I’m going to jail!” I guess we know where one youth stands about his beliefs in participating in war! On May 17, On Earth Peace invited youth and young adult groups to learn more about conscientious objection, a time-honored Church of the Brethren expression of our denominational commitment to peace and our stance against war.

Over four online sessions, we had the privilege to engage 15 groups from across the country in conversation about the different kinds of objection to war, the legal requirements to be a conscientious objector, and what the law says about Selective Service registration and military draft (and possible resistance to both).

By the end of the sessions, the participants were asked to consider the big questions that would be asked of them should they ever find themselves in front of a draft board, and they were provided with ways to prepare themselves now for objection if that day comes.

Although preparing oneself to be a conscientious objector takes work and time, these youth have taken the first of many steps on their journey of peace. If you are interested in having a conversation on conscientious objection with your youth, please let us know by contacting cob-organizer@onearthpeace.org or mrhoades@onearthpeace.org.

I Object! Now What?

We also warmly welcome adults to join us on Monday, June 15, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) for our adult version of the conscientious objection training. “I Object! Now What? (Opposing War and the Things that Make for War)” is a virtual event hosted by On Earth Peace for adults who are discerning how to broach topics such as peace, conscientious objection, Selective Service registration, and the military draft. Whether or not you’re a parent, grandparent, youth leader, or anyone else concerned for youth, you are welcome to join us in broaching the topic of conscientious objection.

For more information and a link to register, go to www.onearthpeace.org/2026_06_15_co_adults

— Ewan Benjamin is On Earth Peace’s Church of the Brethren nonviolence organizer.

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