Conscientious Objection and our Peace Testimony
As Friends, our Peace Testimony is not merely a passive stance against conflict; it is an active commitment to taking away the occasion of all wars. With rising global tensions, our call to be peacemakers feels more urgent than ever.
One way Quakers live out this testimony is the refusal to support or participate in war. Throughout history, Quakers exercising their religious freedom have been recognized as Conscientious Objectors (COs). In times of military conscription, COs have sought alternative service or noncombatant roles that have left a lasting and positive mark on our world.
The Legacy of Alternative Service
Examples of work of national importance performed by COs that has fundamentally shaped our culture:
- Stewardship: The Civilian Public Service (CPS) built thousands of miles of trails and planted millions of trees in our National Parks.
- Mental Health Reform: COs working in state hospitals exposed abusive conditions, leading to the formation of the National Mental Health Foundation and more humane psychiatric care.
- Medical Science: COs volunteered for high-risk research that led to life-saving treatments, while others served as noncombatant medical staff on the front lines.
Since the Vietnam War, America has not had a formal conscription or draft. Yet, those assigned male at birth are still required to register with the Selective Service System at their 18th birthday. When registering, COs have had an opportunity to refuse to register, understanding legal implications, and have had the opportunity to document their beliefs by writing "Conscientious Objector to all war" on their registration card.
Expected Changes to Selective Service
In December the required Selective Service System registration process will become automated, removing the opportunity for COs to document their beliefs during registration. Further, since the 2015 decision to allow those assigned female at birth to join combatant roles, there has been debate around requiring females to register with the Selective Service System as well, although changes have not been made.
National Relevancy of CO Status
On April 10, 2026, NPR's All Things Considered aired a story bringing attention to Conscientious Objection and the work that the Center on Conscience & War (CCW) and its GI Rights Hotline does counseling those currently in the military. CCW's Bill Galvin, a Vietnam era CO, shares that in March 2026, they received 80 new clients, more than double what they take on in a typical year.
Training In Our Own Community
Here at Stony Run, we will host a training for youth (12 - 25 years old) of all genders and faith backgrounds to learn more about Conscientious Objection and how to document their beliefs so that they will be prepared in the event of a Military Draft. CCW's Bill Galvin will join Friend Andrew Gorby, a military CO, to work with the youth that day, which follows National Conscientious Objector Day (May 15). This training will take place annually on the Sunday following May 15. Click here to learn more about this training or register to attend.
Participants at the May 17, 2026 training will learn to document their beliefs considering Selective Service registration changes coming in December 2026. All ages are welcome to attend, but the workshop will elevate the voices of youth who would be directly affected by a potential draft.
If you have any questions about Conscientious Objection and our Quaker Peace Testimony, please contact our Peace & Justice Committee.