These resources were compiled for Bethel College Mennonite Church
(September 2025)

History of Conscientious Objection:

• A website on the story of conscientious objection
• Museum exhibit: Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War (currently on display at the Kauffman Museum in North Newton, KS)
• National History Day Project: “Mennonite Conscientious Objectors in Kansas during World War I”

Why be a conscientious objector (CO):

• Video from someone in the military who decided to seek CO status
• Video of someone who was a CO during the Vietnam War
• “Cost of War” resources from Mennonite Church USA
• Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, Article 22: Peace, Justice, and Non-Resistance
• Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, Article 23: Church’s Relation to Government and Society

How to be a conscientious objector:

Consider whether you will register for the selective service. Such registration is required of males aged 18-25. Methods of registration and penalties for failing to register vary by state. You can find information on state laws and regulations here.

• Note that there is no way to register as a conscientious objector. But you can still note your objection on your selective service registration: I am conscientiously opposed to war in any form. You should make a copy of this form before you submit it. Keep a copy in your CO file.

Explore alternatives to military enlistment. Peaceful Options for Training and Careers provides resources for connecting with exciting careers and educational support.

Create a conscientious objector file. If the United States were to institute a military draft and you wanted to claim conscientious objector status, having a CO file will strengthen your case. For detailed information, see the Christian Peacemaker Registration Form at the bottom of this page.

A CO file should include:

• A written statement about your beliefs and why you want to be a conscientious objector.
• Letters of support from people who can speak to your commitment to nonviolence.
  • The letter writers do not need to agree with your position.
  • They should state their relationship to you and why they believe you are sincere in your objection to participating in war.
• (For men) A copy of your selective service registration with note (see above) if available.
• Copies of any documents that confirm your beliefs such as proof of membership for pacifist organizations and papers/speeches/posts you have written on the topic.

Copies of your CO file should be kept in multiple places:

• You should keep a copy in a safe place at your–or a family member’s–home.
• Send one copy to your church or other faith community. Ideally this copy will be sent through the U.S. mail and remain unopened, thus proving the date that it was submitted.
• Place one copy on file with a national organization such as:
  • MCC U.S. National Peace and Justice Ministries; PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501
  • Your religious national office