Faith-based Conscientious Objection

Published on April 15, 2010

The first faith-based organization to be recognized by the U.S. Selective Service System is Mennonite Voluntary Service, an agency of Mennonite Mission Network. This recognition formalizes an agreement that has stood since 1941 to allow Mennonite conscientious objectors alternatives to military participation. About the dual missions of the Selective Service (the first being sending soldiers off to war), Director Lawrence Romo writes: “Few people are aware of that second mission, but we take it seriously and devote time and resources to ensuring a just and productive alternative for men sincerely opposed to war." (And women, we should assume?) MVS will become a member of the government's Alternative Service Employer Network.

The first faith-based organization to be recognized by the U.S. Selective Service System is Mennonite Voluntary Service, an agency of Mennonite Mission Network. This recognition formalizes an agreement that has stood since 1941 to allow Mennonite conscientious objectors alternatives to military participation.  About the dual missions of the Selective Service (the first being sending soldiers off to war), Director Lawrence Romo writes:  “Few people are aware of that second mission, but we take it seriously and devote time and resources to ensuring a just and productive alternative for men sincerely opposed to war.” (And women, we should assume?)  MVS will become a member of the government’s Alternative Service Employer Network.

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