Public witness

Conscientious Objectors

If you’re considering registering as a conscientious objector, you should establish a file documenting your case through your denomination. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Conscientious Objector Packet will take you step by step through the process. The C.O. Packet is for youth, parents, ministers, youth workers and anyone who counsels youth on important decisions about their future and the impact of those decisions.

...from the Selective Service System: “A conscientious objector is one who is opposed to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms on the grounds of moral or religious principles.” (http://www4.sss.gov/)

If you're contemplating this decision, but want to talk to someone first, contact Disciples pastor David Edwards. He went through the Selective Service process in 1970 as a conscientious objector, then served two years of civilian alternative service as a CO. Edwards is willing to to offer his knowledge and experience to any young person or adult wrestling with issues of Christian pacifism, military service, and conscientious objection.

To order your free packet, make your request online or download an order form here.

The order form has been converted to portable document file (PDF). You can view it using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Acrobat Reader allows you to view the publication just as it was composed for printing. The file size is 27 kb.

Go to the Adobe Acrobat Reader download site if you don't have an Acrobat Reader.

Public witness > conscientious objectors