Brethren to revive alternative service plans
In case of a draft
Officials of the Church of the Brethren say they will follow through on a request from the Selective Service to have “alternative service” programs in place for conscientious objectors if a military draft is reinstated.
Leaders of one of the historic peace churches that shun military service, Brethren executives were “cautious” after an unannounced visit by a draft official to a church center in Maryland last October. They were worried that the visit signaled that a draft may be at hand, something Selective Service spokespersons continued to deny.
In follow-up meetings, draft officials urged the church to dust off longstanding alternative service programs that allow conscientious objectors to serve in two-year domestic service projects in lieu of military service.
Leaders of one of the historic peace churches that shun military service, Brethren executives were “cautious” after an unannounced visit by a draft official to a church center in Maryland last October. They were worried that the visit signaled that a draft may be at hand, something Selective Service spokespersons continued to deny.
In follow-up meetings, draft officials urged the church to dust off longstanding alternative service programs that allow conscientious objectors to serve in two-year domestic service projects in lieu of military service.
This article is available to subscribers only. Please subscribe for full access—subscriptions begin at $4.95. Already have an online account? Log in now. Already a print subscriber? Create an online account for no additional cost.
