CO Packet - Central Plains Mennonite Conference

Making Peace with Enemies: Ten Truths Christians Need to Know , a brochure from Mennonite Media

CO Packets provide information on conscientious objection and how to start a CO file. They are mailed to Central Plains youth within three months of their 16th birthday. At left and below you can see the contents of the packet. To request paper packets, contact Monica Clem at 605-925-4463 or cpmcsdgwtc.net.

Dear CPMC Youth:

The purpose of the CO packet is to help you start your own CO (Conscientious Objector) File. The materials in the packet are listed in the column at left. Just click on items in boldface to download them.

The purpose of keeping a CO File is to document your CO position in case the draft is reinstated. This file would be your evidence to a draft board that your beliefs are long-held and sincere, not just a ploy to avoid military service. Young women should also make a file, since it is likely that women would be included in a draft.

If the draft were to be reinstated , it is quite possible that conscientious objectors would have two weeks or less from the time they are drafted to document their position and apply for CO status. This is why it is so very important to begin to document your beliefs now. Sound intimidating? Actually, putting a CO File together is no more work than most projects you do for school!

I bet you are wondering how likely a reinstatement of the draft really is. A lot of people are! This question has been debated since the beginning of the war in Iraq . Some people think it’s likely, others do not. The fact is that we simply do not know. Only one thing is certain: If there is a draft, conscientious objectors who have completed a CO File will be in a better position than those who have not.

To get started, first download “How to Create a CO File.” Next, download the Christian Peacemaker Registration Form. Now you’re ready to get started!

Finally, please remember that there is no need to be afraid of the draft! God is faithful to walk with you and guide you in all things. Look to your parents, pastor and congregation for support and encouragement. Take courage from these words of the Apostle Paul:

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

II Cor. 5:17-18 NRSV

Since God is engaged in reconciliation and is calling us to join in, we are assured of God’s presence and guidance as we obey that call.

God's peace be with you!

Shana Peachey Boshart

Conference Youth Minister