Resolution on weapons transfer is adopted by the 2026 Annual Conference

The delegate body of the 2026 Annual Conference on Wednesday afternoon, July 1, adopted a “Resolution on Weapons Transfer” with a solid majority vote.

The paper cites Matthew 5:44b-45, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…,” to call the Church of the Brethren to “examine and respond to the impacts of the arms industry.”

The resolution reaffirms “the Church of the Brethren’s commitment to peace as God’s will and the call of Christ” and states the church’s “opposition to the US manufacturing and sale of weapons and urges the US government to halt the sale of arms to other countries.”

One section of the resolution addresses the global impact of the US arms trade, noting that “the United States is currently the world’s largest exporter of weapons, with 39 percent of global weapons imports in 2023 coming from the US.”

*The delegate body throughout the Conference voted using green cards to signify support for a recommendation, and red cards to signify opposition. Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford*

Another section addresses the Church of the Brethren’s historic opposition to war and the defense industry, noting the church’s centuries-long opposition to war and adherence to peacemaking. It also notes the church’s stated opposition to particular types of weaponry including nuclear weapons and military drones.

The closing section offers recommendations for individuals, congregations, districts, and the denomination, ranging from educating about the US arms trade and the biblical call to peacemaking, to divesting from the arms industry, to public advocacy against US arms transfers and the defense industry.

The resolution was brought by the Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren and recommended for adoption by the Standing Committee of district delegates. Two amendments that were made from the floor failed to pass.

The resolution had been adopted by the Mission and Ministry Board more than a year ago, in March 2025, but because of the heavy business agenda of the 2025 Annual Conference it was held over to 2026.

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