'Truth commission' urges change in conscientious-objector status

WASHINGTON (ABP) -- A coalition of more than 60 religious, veterans,
academic and advocacy groups called on the United States military Nov.
10 to extend conscientious-objector status to soldiers who believe a
specific war is immoral.

The Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America is one of 61 co-sponsors of a Truth Commission on Conscience of War that released its report at the National Press Club in Washington. A public presentation on Veterans Day was scheduled at a 7 p.m. interfaith worship service at National City Christian Church Nov. 11 followed by a daylong "teach-in" on "selective conscientious objection" Nov. 12.

Ken Sehested, founding director of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, represented the group as a commissioner at hearings
March 21 at Riverside Church in New York. Commissioners heard testimony
from soldiers and expert witnesses on the difficulty of getting the
military to release soldiers who develop conscientious objections during
their participation in war.