Resources on Conscientious Objection

As a historic peace church, Mennonites have a long tradition of conscientious objection to military service.  Before World War II, leaders of peace churches secured  legal exemption from military service for anyone who "by reason of religious training and belief is conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form."  

Here are resources for churches to help their youth think through their beliefs on military service and help them prepare for the possibility of a draft.  Central Plains Mennonite Conference congregations who would like paper copies of these resources may contact Amanda Bleichty at amandableichty@centralplainsmc.org

Think in terms of leading a study on conscientious objection every two years, alternating between Ben's Story and Decide for Peace. Don't worry about repeating this material with the same students; two years is a long time in a teen's life.

For the Youth

Make a copy of each of the following for each youth.

Letter to Central Plains Youth
an introduction to the CO File

How to Create a CO File
easy instructions

Christian Peacemaker Registration Form
a short version just for CPMC youth; they can type directly into this Word document

Formulario de Inscripcion como Pacificador
the form above in Spanish. Youth fill out the last two pages.

For the Leaders
​Letter to Central Plains Pastors and Youth Leaders

​Lead the 6-session study, Ben's Story.  Six videos with a lesson plan provided for each one.

Lead the 5-session Decide for Peace, a Bible study that specifically prepares youth to fill out the Christian Peacemaker Form.

The video, The Good War and Those Who Refused to Fight It, tells stories of conscientious objectors and includes a CO Handbook and Guide to the Draft.  It would go well with the Bible study above.


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Below are additional items that will be helpful as you educate youth on conscientious objection.

Call of Conscience curriculum from the Church of the Brethren. A four session series that includes activities and short videos for each session.

Registration and Basic Draft Information

Who is a CO?
an explanation of draft law

Christian Peacemaker Registration Form
MCC's longer version with commentary

Mennonite Central Committee
resources on conscientious objection

Center on Conscience and War 

Viviendo la Paz

Should I register?

Behind the camouflage: A primer on military enlistment for youth pastors, mentors and counselors is a free online resource that equips pastors, sponsors and mentors to give good counsel, both practical and spiritual, to youth who are considering military enlistment.