Zoom Session Held on Conscientious Objection for Concerned Adults 6/15/26

By IPN Coordinator and Editor; information gleaned from On Earth Peace is taken with permission

 

Adults gathered on Zoom from across the U.S. to learn more about conscientious objection from On Earth Peace.  Church of the Brethren and Mennonite members were present, maybe others.  On Earth Peace is a Church of the Brethren agency, working on a range of peace issues for children to adult. This session was a follow-up to a session designed for youth and young adults who might want to register as CO if a draft were to happen.  This has come up because of the automatic registration which will probably start December 2026, for men ages 18-26.  This adult session was for concerned adults who care for youth and young adults who might be affected.

 Ewan Benjamin, staff at On Earth Peace,  and Marie Benner-Rhoades, co- director at On Earth Peace, hosted the session.  In Iowa, a group of five gathered at Ivester Church of the Brethren to attend the session together on laptop computers around the table.  They were able to hear the whole session, take part in the chat feature when questions were asked to engage those gathered, and members were able to share with each other in person about why we believe in Conscientious Objection.

 The session started with Ewan sharing a scripture and then delving into some facts about Conscientious Objection.  He reviewed that with a Draft Board, there are three designations for a draftee:  1-AO- Noncombatant, and 1-0 Alternative Service, and 4-E- Absolutist- refuse service (and it was shared that a person in this designation would probably be putting in prison time.)

 The hosts shared that CO applicants will be asked, “Why do you specifically believe that you cannot participate in war in any form?”  They added that only the youth can answer that question when it comes to them from the Draft Board.  But adults can help them articulate their thoughts and answers.  Adults can talk with their youth about these questions. 

 If someone does not register for the draft, imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 might be asked.  Those wanting to apply for CO status should let the government know as soon as possible.  Each state is different as to what are consequences of not registering.  The website: https:centeronconscience.org/draftregistration lists each state as to what consequences might be.  State regulations override federal regulations. (Editor’s Note: It is difficult to predict how these facts may change when the automatic registration occurs.)

 There were three questions offered that the Draft Board will ask the CO applicant.  One is “What beliefs inform your CO application and refusal  to any military training and service?”  Second is, “How and when did you acquire these beliefs?” and third, “How do these beliefs effect you how you live your life?” The Zoom group was asked to answer this question and share with each other.  Those gathered on Zoom were paired up with one another. Those at Ivester spoke with one another around the table.

 Harder questions, like “What would you do in WW2?” or “If  U.S. was invaded or if violence happened in front of you, what would you do?”   Last, another hard question which may be asked “Didn’t God order war in the Old Testament?”  It was suggested to answer these questions saying something like, “I cannot know what I would do in those situations,” and that it is not directly relevant to CO status in a draft.  However,  it may be helpful to think about these questions, as well.

 Directions for our youth and young adults are to:  write and file a letter of your beliefs.  It was stated, “Create a resume of peace,”  and think about it as preparing to apply for a job.  Make more than one copy of everything.  It was recommended to have peace conversations often, with different people- Youth’s pastors, youth’s youth leaders, young adults’ ministry leaders.  These conversations can help with CO status.  Parents are urged to think about what they believe, why they believe; also to talk to their kids about the risks and plan together accordingly, and help provide opportunities to live out peace beliefs.  In some states if you don’t register, you can lose your driver’s license.  So one must be prepared as to what they will sacrifice.  Problem solve:  for example learn to use public transit or plan how to carpool to places or plug into Mutual Aid opportunities.

 It was recommended to send these letters about peace beliefs to yourself in the mail, which will provide a postdate, and prove the longevity of beliefs.  Things that show your commitment like photos of protest and service projects are good to have on record as well.  Again, have peace conversations with your kids often- it can be dinner table talk!

 It was recommended to stay away from AI for writing one’s convictions down!  It needs to be the youth and young adults’ own words.  These records can also be sent to General Offices in Elgin, (Editor’s Note:  Or I would add, those in Iowa and vicinity, they can be sent to Iowa Peace Network, and we will file them as well.)

 

For more help for adults, On Earth Peace staff shared they have a “Call to Conscience” curriculum on the Church of the Brethren website:  brethren.org.  A participant also recommended a book:  “Soft Spots” by Clin Van Winkle, a veteran talking about war.  “The Shoes of Peace” published by the Church of the Brethren was also recommended to hear more about alternative service and CO’s in the past.

 

Those gathered expressed thanks and how helpful this information was.  Iowa Peace Network will keep an eye out for more to come from On Earth Peace about Conscientious Objection.