Youth and 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.
Think in terms of leading a study on conscientious objection every year, 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.
Think in terms of leading a study on conscientious objection every year, 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 LeadersLead the 5-session Bible study, Decide for Peace.
Lead the 6-session study, Ben's Story. Six videos with a lesson plan provided for each one. The video, The Good War and Those Who Refused to Fight It, tells stories of conscientious objectors and includes a CO Handbook andGuide to the Draft. It would go well with the Bible study above. 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. |
For the YouthMake a copy of each of the following for each youth.
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. Before you enlist Antes de alistarte a video from American Friends Service Committee. |
Additional items
Joshua Casteel: How I became a CO
Video clips from presentations by Logan Mehl-Laituri and Joe Gibson at the Mennonite Church USA Youth Assembly in Pittsburgh, PA, July, 2011.
Peace and Justice Support Network resources
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
Civilian Public Service
Viviendo la Paz
Should I register?
Video clips from presentations by Logan Mehl-Laituri and Joe Gibson at the Mennonite Church USA Youth Assembly in Pittsburgh, PA, July, 2011.
Peace and Justice Support Network resources
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
Civilian Public Service
Viviendo la Paz
Should I register?
Call of Conscience is a web page and curriculum on conscientious objection from the Church of the Brethren.