The Christian Century

In the wake of shooting rampages at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University that together left nearly 40 people dead, several colleges that previously relied on unarmed security staff—such as Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan—have taken steps to allow armed guards on campus. Many colleges already do.

Leaders of a dozen Mennonite, Quaker and Brethren churches that shun military service say they will coordinate their plans for “alternative service” programs for conscientious objectors should a draft be reinstated.

It is not a propitious time to be a pacifist in the United States. Polls indicate that over 90 percent of Americans continue to support the military campaign in Afghanistan.