Peace

Peace

The Church of the Brethren, since its beginning in 1708, has repeatedly declared its position against war. Our understanding of the life and teachings of Christ as revealed in the New Testament led our Annual Conference to state in 1785 that we should not "submit to the higher powers so as to make ourselves their instruments to shed human blood." 

In 1918 at our Annual Conference we stated that "we believe that war or any participation in war is wrong and incompatible with the spirit, example and teachings of Jesus Christ." Additional statements followed in 1934, 1948, and 1970.

Listed below are a number of Church of the Brethren Statements and a variety of resources.

 Peace Resources

Statement of the Church of the Brethren on War: "The official position of the Church of the Brethren is that all war is sin and that we seek the right of conscientious objection to all war." complete statement

Church of the Brethren Statement on Justice and Non-Violence: "The world confronts us with the temptation to use violence in war, to acquiesce and participate in structural violence, and to support violent revolution against structural violence. Although we seek to identify with the oppressed, to these three types of violence we make a uniform response: the Scriptures call us to reject all forms of violence and to undertake nonviolent acts to exercise our commitment to human liberation and justice. We must be vigilant against that which would seduce us to use the very means against which we must struggle." complete statement

Church of the Brethren Statement on Obedience to God and Civil Disobedience: "Christian faithfulness means obedience to God. The state and its citizens, the church and its members, all are under God and ultimately accountable to him as Creator, Sustainer, Judge and Redeemer. The sovereignty of the state is limited by the sovereignty of God. While the state may demand reasonable loyalty from its citizens, it must not demand absolute obedience, which belongs to God." complete statement

Church of the Brethren Statement on Non-Violence: "God's revelation in Jesus Christ provides a very different sort of answer to the perennial questions intended to justify violence on behalf of victims. Yes, disciples are to care deeply about victims and act on their behalf.  But what they do should be in accord with the teachings and spirit of Jesus. Moving against the life of another human being is never in harmony with what God has revealed in Jesus. In faithfulness to the Lord, disciples do not have guns to use against an attacker.  Even when terrible inhumanities are being threatened or perpetrated, disciples refuse to become agents or advocates of violence.  They cry out with victims.  They intercede and pray against the powers of destruction." complete statement

Conscientious Objection: "Conscientious objection: a sincere conviction, motivated by conscience, that forbids someone from taking part in organized killing. Are you a C.O.?

It depends on whether you would find it unconscionable—or against your deepest held beliefs—to engage in activities designed to take a human life. If that's you, it is your legal right not to have to fight in war." 

Take the Pledge: I WON'T FIGHT TO KILL. I WILL fight injustice. I WILL fight hatred. I WILL fight racism. I WILL work to make sure that everyone has what they need to live as God intends. I JUST WON'T FIGHT TO KILL.

The Peace Book and other Resources: "The Peace Book is a guide for Brethren youth on living as Christian peacemakers in today's challenging and changing world." 

On Earth Peace Assembly is a non-profit organization grounded in the Church of the Brethren. We promote peacemaking through educational programs and reconciliation services. OEPA

Brethren Perspectives on Peace and War: "The Church of the Brethren is one of a few historic peace churches, and bases its understanding of pacifism on the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the New Testament. In times of war, the Brethren have encouraged their children to resist direct military participation, yet dutifully serve their country in the role of a Conscientious Objector. Although the official position of the Church of the Brethren through the discernment of Annual Conference historically resists war and all forms of violence, there is intellectually honest disagreement throughout the denomination concerning the interpretation of pacifism, non-violence, and the relationship of pacifists to the military." 

2004 Annual Conference Resolution on Iraq "we as a church call all people to prayer and repentance. We also call upon the current United States administration and Congress to acknowledge and take responsibility for our involvement and culpability and to join in this time of repentance."  read more

No Child Left Behind - Legislation requires that high schools surrender students' home addresses and phone numbers to military recruiters–but you don't have to participate! 

Church Leader's Packet on Conscientious Objection