Northern Indiana District Peace Page Continuing the work of Jesus Peacefully Simply Together

Church Leader's Packet on Conscientious Objection - These Packets are available from the Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
To request a packet e-mail the office, or call 1-800-332-8039.
View packet resources on-line.

The Universal Military Training and Service Act of 2001, H.R. 3598 has been introduced to the US House of Representatives to establish mandatory military service for men age 18-22. Conscientious objectors would be required to participate in basic military training before entering alternative service. Additional information at www.nisbco.org/stopdraft.htm.

No Child Left Behind - Legislation requires that high schools surrender students' home addresses and phone numbers to military recruiters–but you don't have to participate! read more

The Church of the Brethren, since its beginning in 1708, has repeatedly declared its position against war. Our understanding of the life and teachings of Christ as revealed in the New Testament led our Annual Conference to state in 1785 that we should not "submit to he higher powers so as to make ourselves their instruments to shed human blood." In 1918 at our Annual Conference we stated that "we believe that war or any participation in war is wrong and incompatible with the spirit, example and teachings of Jesus Christ." Additional statements followed in 1934, 1948, and 1970. Listed on this page are a number of Church of the Brethren Statements and a variety of resources.

The delegates assembled at the Northern Indiana District Conference on September 15, 2001 approved the following statement to be sent to our leadership in the Federal Government:

We, the 48 congregations of the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren, meeting at our District Conference on September 15, 2001 at the Middlebury Church of the Brethren, express our horror and sadness at the recent acts of violence experienced within our country, and extend our prayers for all whose lives have been affected by the destruction and violence. Nevertheless, as a church committed to peace, we strongly urge the use of nonviolent approaches and interventions in whatever ways our country -- and specifically you as national leaders -- choose to respond. It is our conviction that only as we have the courage to respond to violence in non-violent ways that the cycle of violence can be broken and true freedom and peace restored.

We will continue to pray for our nation and for you as leaders. Our prayer is that the God of peace will inspire, strengthen, and guide you.

Additional Peace Resources

Statement of the Church of the Brethren on War: "The official position of the Church of the Brethren is that all war is sin and that we seek the right of conscientious objection to all war." complete statement

Church of the Brethren Statement on Justice and NonViolence: "The world confronts us with the temptation to use violence in war, to acquiesce and participate in structural violence, and to support violent revolution against structural violence. Although we seek to identify with the oppressed, to these three types of violence we make a uniform response: the Scriptures call us to reject all forms of violence and to undertake nonviolent acts to exercise our commitment to human liberation and justice. We must be vigilant against that which would seduce us to use the very means against which we must struggle." complete statement

Church of the Brethren Statement on Obedience to God and Civil Disobedience: "Christian faithfulness means obedience to God. The state and its citizens, the church and its members, all are under God and ultimately accountable to him as Creator, Sustainer, Judge and Redeemer. The sovereignty of the state is limited by the sovereignty of God. While the state may demand reasonable loyalty from its citizens, it must not demand absolute obedience, which belongs to God." complete statement

Church of the Brethren Statement on NonViolence: "God's revelation in Jesus Christ provides a very different sort of answer to the perennial questions intended to justify violence on behalf of victims. Yes, disciples are to care deeply about victims and act on their behalf.  But what they do should be in accord with the teachings and spirit of Jesus. Moving against the life of another human being is never in harmony with what God has revealed in Jesus. In faithfulness to the Lord, disciples do not have guns to use against an attacker.  Even when terrible inhumanities are being threatened or perpetrated, disciples refuse to become agents or advocates of violence.  They cry out with victims.  They intercede and pray against the powers of destruction." complete statement

Conscientious Objection: "Conscientious objection: a sincere conviction, motivated by conscience, that forbids someone from taking part in organized killing. Are you a C.O.?
It depends on whether you would find it unconscionable—or against your deepest held beliefs—to engage in activities designed to take a human life. If that's you, it is your legal right not to have to fight in war." read more

Take the Pledge: I WON'T FIGHT TO KILL. I WILL fight injustice. I WILL fight hatred. I WILL fight racism. I WILL work to make sure that everyone has what they need to live as God intends. I JUST WON'T FIGHT TO KILL. to read more and sign the pledge

The Peace Book and other Resources: "The Peace Book is a guide for Brethren youth on living as Christian peacemakers in today's challenging and changing world." to order free resources for a description of various peace and justice resources

On Earth Peace Assembly is a non-profit organization grounded in the Church of the Brethren. We promote peacemaking through educational programs and reconciliation services. OEPA

Brethren Perspectives on Peace and War: "The Church of the Brethren is one of a few historic peace churches, and bases its understanding of pacifism on the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the New Testament. In times of war, the Brethren have encouraged their children to resist direct military participation, yet dutifully serve their country in the role of a Conscientious Objector. Although the official position of the Church of the Brethren through the discernment of Annual Conference historically resists war and all forms of violence, there is intellectually honest disagreement throughout the denomination concerning the interpretation of pacifism, non-violence, and the relationship of pacifists to the military." read more

2002 General Board Statement on the Threat of War between the United States and Iraq "The Church of the Brethren General Board is deeply concerned about the possibility of war between the United States and Iraq. We know that war causes death and displacement, and does not resolve deep-seated conflicts—thus it is contrary to God's will for human life." read more

Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren
357 East Market Street, Nappanee, Indiana 46550
Phone: (574) 773-3149 / Fax: (574) 773-2815

Northern Indiana District