The following can be found in WORDS OF CONSCIENCE: RELIGIOUS STATEMENTS ON CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION ed. Shawn Perry (Washington, National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO), 1980. pp. 35-37.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

A Public Statement

In 1971 and 1972, 252 congregations of the Church of Christ located in 31 states across the United States signed a public statement or petition to be presented to lawmakers and those that govern as a reminder that these Churches of Christ have stood in opposition to war. "Each individual Christian must study for himself and must decide for himself because each person must answer to God (through Jesus Christ) for the life he lives and the decisions he makes. Each individual congregation of the Church of Christ has its local government as prescribed by the New Testament. The Bible authorizes the Church to have Elders, Deacons, Evangelists (Ministers) and teachers as well as the members. Therefore, decisions must be made at the local level, based upon New Testament teaching. "Through the years several hundred of the more conservative congregations have had fellowship and cooperation because of the strong desire of the members to keep New Testament patterns "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). "Among the principles most frequently and consistently practiced is the one that Christ forbade His followers to take part in human conflicts: Matt.26:48-52; Acts 5:29; Rom. 12:9; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:10-17; Matt. 5:21; Rom. 12:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Luke 3:14; I Thess. 5:22. "During 1952... 123 congregations of the same fellowship signed a similar letter or petition. During 1971 and 1972...252 of these congregations have signed these letters and statements indicating that the local members are opposed to a Christian man or woman having to take part in war against their individual faith and conviction. In all cases these Christians are publicly and privately dedicated to the betterment of mankind. "We consider this nation to be the best on earth and therefore are willing to work at work which upbuilds the people of this nation as long as we do not have to forsake or violate our religion and faith."

A Public Petition

In 1971 and early 1972 the members of 252 local congregations of the Church of Christ (located in 31 states) signed letters designed to tell those who may be concerned how we feel that it is wrong for us to sanction war. Futhermore, it was brought out in these letters that we are anxious to upbuild the nation and those in need. The letters stated: "This is to certify that we, the undersigned members of the Church of Christ are conscinetiously opposed to carnal warfare. Our belief in the Supreme Being (God) involves duties superior to those arising from any human relation. The basis of this faith is found in a multitude of Holy Scriptures, some of which follow: Matthew 26:48-52; Acts 5:29; Rom. 12;(; 2Cor.10:3-5; Eph.6:10-17; Matt. 5:21; Rom 12:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Luke 3:14; I Thess. 5:22. "Our position on this vital subject has been set forth many times in this country by our ministers across the nation. In sermons and writings made public thorughout the 1800s American Bible pioneers of our faith set forth this conviction as one of the integral parts of our faith. "The Christian and Carnal Warfare" by Paul O. Nichols published in 1945 in the Old Paths Pulpit was a more recent pronouncement of this faith. "We do not know of an active minister in these Churches of Christ who does not oppose war and urge those that make the laws of this land and those that govern to seek peaceful means to settle world problems. These Churches of Christ are not to be confused with many which wear the same name; due to fundamental differences <> "We wholeheartedly endorse the civilian work programs whereby conscientious persons may serve the National health and interests in a civilian capacity... such as in hospitals, institutions, and rehabilitation work. "We submit this that all may know our position relative to our opposing war, and that we might be recognized <> which now is and in past history has been a "peace church", to use modern terminology. We have assembled and set down together these principles, statements, and references so that all may know our position and that we stand behind those of our young people who because of their strong faith and dedication to the betterment of mankind seek to serve in hospitals, institutions, and rehabilitation work rather than to violate Christian principles they hold dearer than their own lives. Each member studies the Scriptures for himself and takes his or her own stand based upon faith and conviction.

-- Nelson Nichols: Evangelist-Minister

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Write to Nelson Nichols (Evangelist), Church of Christ, Park Street, P.O. Box D, Anderson, MO 64831.

This ends the "one-cup" CofC statement on conscientious objection. I do not know if Nichols address is still current or not.

Mike Casey
mcasey@pepperdine.edu

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