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 Shana Boshart at
shanaboshart@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.
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 Shana Boshart at
shanaboshart@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 youth considering enlistment: Do You Know Enough to Enlist? Tienes Suficiente Informacion Para Registrarte? |
For the 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. Below are additional items that will be helpful as you educate youth on conscientious objection. 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. |