Posted on 01/05/2005 8:38:49 AM PST by HogDog
Brethren Agree to Revive 'Alternative Service' Draft Programs
By Kevin Eckstrom Religion News Service Leaders 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 draft is reinstated.
As one of the historic "peace churches" that shun military service, Brethren officials were "cautious" after an unannounced visit by a draft official to a church center in Maryland last October. Officials were worried that the visit signaled that a draft may be at hand. In follow-up meetings, draft officials urged the church to dust off long-standing "alternative service" programs that allow conscientious objectors to serve in two-year domestic service projects in lieu of military service.
In a meeting Dec. 10, the church's council voted to "maximize our efforts" on alternative service, as well as help "guide our youth in their choice of nonviolent service."
"We don't want to miss the part of providing resources to our youth that will help them understand and embrace the Brethren peace witness," said Chris Bowman, moderator of the church's 2004 conference.
Selective Service officials have insisted there are no plans to reinstate the draft, and said Alternative Service Director Cassandra Costley stopped by the Brethren Service Center simply because she was in the area.
Dick Flahavan, a spokesman for Selective Service, said officials did their best to convince church leaders there is no draft on the horizon. "We answered every one of their questions and they didn't leave with anything hanging," he said. "What we were telling them was what we tell everyone. The story hasn't varied."
Brethren leaders also agreed to meet in March with other Anabaptist churches that oppose military service. The meeting in Elgin, Ill., will bring together six Brethren and Mennonite groups to discuss "how to prepare for alternative service opportunities."
You call that thinking? Try reading the very article you posted...
Dick Flahavan, a spokesman for Selective Service, said officials did their best to convince church leaders there is no draft on the horizon. "We answered every one of their questions and they didn't leave with anything hanging," he said. "What we were telling them was what we tell everyone. The story hasn't varied."
And what the heck is the "Church of the Brethren"?
Is there legislation pending? I don't think so. The only legislation that was proposed recently was by Charlie "Crooked" Rangle. And even he didn't vote for it. How Brilliant!
Bet he won't respond to you.
Please learn to spell "intelligence" when dishing out insults.
Are you even a real Marine? I doubt it.
bump it again chumps
G'bye, Mister Pitt.
I am ZOT proof
zat you hillary?
Clinton is no longer President.
Welcome to FR! Just remember. They are watching you.....
You don't know what you're asking for.
Did someone say draught?
Behold the power of the anti ZOT
From the party of tolerance and understanding.
"Please learn to spell "intelligence" when dishing out insults"
He can't even spell DUmmie correctly!
DUmb..DUmb..DUmb..DUmb..DUmb
Gone.
Clinton is no longer President.
He said bow, not blow!!!
NFL? NHL? I thought this was an thread for all of us football fans whose teams did not make the playoffs.
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