Objection to War

Peace Testimony:
Conscientious Objection

"We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretence whatsoever; and this is our testimony to the whole world. The spirit of Christ, by which we are guided, is not changeable..."

- Declaration of Friends to Charles II, 1660

Conscientious objection is not passive. It is an active and deliberate engagement with one of the most serious questions a person can face: Would I participate in organized killing if my government told me to? If the answer is no, build the evidence for that answer now in case of a draft. This issue is even more pressing with the shift to automatic registration with the Selective Service System in December 2026. Youth will no longer experience the friction of manual registration, which removes moral agency for those youth conscientiously opposed to registering.

Stony Run Friends (Quaker) Meeting welcomes you to our work assisting youth of all genders in documenting their beliefs as conscientious objectors to war. Even though current law only requires young men to register with the Selective Service System, draft laws could change. We encourage you to share, post, print, and display our resources for all youth and caregivers. These resources were designed from a secular standpoint, and are shareable with people of other faiths or no religious beliefs.

Group photo from CO & SSS Training on 5/19/26.
Group photo from CO & SSS Training on 5/19/26.

Conscientious Objection Resources

One Pager - Click to Download (Google Docs)

Need a PDF? Click here.

You should not wait for a draft to declare yourself a conscientious objector. This practical one-page step-by-step leaflet, "Registering with the Selective Service System as a Conscientious Objector to War," is for ages 12-25, their supporting caregivers, and the communities of peace that support their development and well-being. It covers how to use physical documentation to build a vital "paper trail" in case of a draft.  Please print and display, and share on social media.
Growth Continuum - Click to Download (Google Docs)

Need a PDF? Click here.

This resource, "A Growth Continuum for Discerning the Strength of a Youth Conscientious Objection Documentation File," is for youth ages 12-25 and those who will assist in annually reviewing their physical documentation. It aids in both self-reflection and discernment of two different components of a conscientious objection documentation file. The continuum pairs with the one-page leaflet. Please print, share and use it for an annual documentation review.
Kids' Zine for Ages 5+ - Click to Download (PDF)

This foldable zine, "A Little, Simple Coloring & Activity Book on Conscientious Objection for Young People & Caregivers," gently introduces the concept of conscientious objection to kids ages 5+.  The goal of this publication is to spark conversation and dialogue about peace. It also includes coloring, a maze, and the opportunity for younger people to draw and write about peace. It is designed as a read-with-me book. Please print and display, and share on social media.

Presentation - Click to Download (Google Slides)

Need a PDF? Click here.

This presentation resource, "Conscientious Objection & Registering (or Not) with the Selective Service System for a Draft," is for anyone looking to learn more about conscientious objection. It covers what is conscientious objection, its intersection with faith and the courts, navigating the Selective Service System and the decision to register, preparing for a hypothetical draft, alternative and non-combatant service options, and modern-day advocacy.  Please review and adapt this for your community.

Friends Work for Peace

These resources are free. Please share them widely.  If you are interested in going more in-depth, join us for our yearly training on Sunday, May 16, 2027, from 1:00-3:00 PM; get it on your calendar now. Check back here for the registration link during Spring 2027. To learn more about our Spring 2026 training, read our blog post here.

We encourage all peace communities to designate the month of May as a period to teach and share about conscientious objection to war - International Conscientious Objector Day is observed annually on May 15th.

These resources have deep roots. Conscientious objection to war is more than just a government classification or label - it is a core belief that Quakers have lived out, advocated for, been persecuted for, and protected for more than three centuries. Quakers have conscientiously objected to participating in war since their founding, working tirelessly to support war victims - both military and civilian - advocating for peaceful conflict resolution, and actively seeking a more peaceful and just world.

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has been at the forefront of securing legal recognition for conscientious objectors to war - first religious and then secular - in the event of a draft. During wartime, Quakers have been integral in ensuring both alternative service outside the military structure and non-combatant service within it. Friends also support those who experience a profound change of conscience after joining the military. Quakers continue this committed legacy by teaching about conscientious objection to war; supporting youth conscientious objectors in our Meetings and beyond; actively promoting the right to selective conscientious objection (which the United States government does not recognize); abolishing the Selective Service System and ending military conscription; and war tax resistance. This work is foundational to our Peace Testimony.

Collaborate for a World Without War

If you have read all this and are wondering how to get started in your Meetinghouse or community of peace, check out this great resource and other pages that we collaborated on with Friends General Conference (FGC)! We are always looking to collaborate, share, and spread the word about this foundational issue of peace - reach out!

1.) SRFM Conscientious Objection & Selective Service System One Pager-April 1st 2026 RED Only (1)

Don't forget to share the one-pager with your friends and networks.

1.) SRFM Conscientious Objection & Selective Service System One Pager-April 1st 2026 RED Only (2)
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