Conscientious Objection

For many Christians, the call to follow Christ includes a commitment to peace, compassion and the sanctity of life. Conscientious Objection is an expression of this faith – choosing not to participate in military service as it conflicts with the teachings of Jesus, such as loving one’s enemies. Rooted in biblical principles and guided by the Holy Spirit, this conviction allows believers to serve their communities in ways that reflect Christ’s example of offering assistance, healing and hope without taking part in acts of war.

Conscientious Objection (CO) allows believers to serve their communities in ways that reflect Christ’s example of offering assistance, healing and hope without taking part in acts of war.

In the U.S., conscientious objection (CO) is a formal legal status recognized by the Selective Service System as well as by the Department of Defense for enlisted personnel. The legal foundation has been shaped by law, balancing the First Amendment’s free exercise clause against the needs of national defense.

Core Legal Principles of Conscientious Objection

  • Opposition to war in any form – A CO must object to participation in all wars, not a specific conflict.
  • Basis of Belief – Objections must come from sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical beliefs and these beliefs cannot be based solely on political, social or personal convenience.
  • Sincerity Requirement – The objection must be firm, deeply held and genuine, reflected in the person’s actions and lifestyle.

Alternative Service

Alternative Service is a civil service option for Conscientious Objectors and provides an opportunity to perform civilian work that supports national health, safety for two years in place of military service. The Selective Service System assigns jobs through its Alternative Service Employer Network (ASEN) including public and private employers supporting essential functions.

Both Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite Central Committee are approved Selective Service System employers for Alternative Service.

Application Process

To be formally recognized, conscientious objector claimants must provide evidence of sincere beliefs that include:

  • Written statements explaining the origin and impacts of beliefs
  • Character references or witnesses confirming lifestyle consistency with objection
  • Appearances before local Selective Service boards, with rights to appeals if denied

A first step to be included in the application process is the creation of a Conscientious Objector (CO) File, a collection of faith statements, references and other evidence that you are a CO.

Create a Conscientious Objector (CO) File

For more information on conscientious objection