Texas Delegates Take Issue with Conscientious Objection Resolution
Diocesan Press Service. February 25, 1969 [74-15]
NEW YORK, N. Y. -- Delegates to the 65th Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas took issue with a recent House of Bishops resolution concerning conscientious objection to military service.
"The Council," stated the resolution, "urges the Episcopal House of Bishops to reconsider their resolution of October 24, 1968, wherein they recognize the right of man to object on the grounds of conscience to participation in a particular war."
"The Council also urges that the Bishops give serious thought to how they should encourage and support the Armed Forces of the United States, both volunteer and inducted, who are protecting the country and its Churches from aggressive Communism which has vowed to destroy democracy and religion."
The resolution was originally supported by an overwhelming majority of the delegates. Second thoughts occurred to many, however, and a motion to reconsider was defeated by a narrow margin (135 against to 119 for).