Draft Registration Counseling Available
Episcopal News Service. January 21, 1982 [82011]
WASHINGTON (DPS, Jan. 211 -- Draft registration and conscientious objector counseling are available to all Episcopalians, nationwide, reminds the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, in the wake of President Reagan's January 8 decision to extend compulsory military registration at post offices for 18 year olds.
The Peace Fellowship, which has provided such counseling services for church members for 43 years, reminds those who are, or believe they might be, conscientious objectors, of the need to register their belief with the Conscientious Objector Registry maintained by the Episcopal Church Center at 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017.
In addition to counseling of counseling referrals available from each of the Fellowship's two dozen chapters around the country, diocesan bishops have appointed draft registration liaisons who can provide or obtain guidance for teenagers about the relationship of military service to their Christian faith.
The November 17, 1981 issue of the Federal Register (available in many public libraries) contains the new Selective Service System draft regulations, including many changes from the Vietnam War era. The most significant change for prospective conscientious objectors is the prohibition against making a CO claim at the time of registration. Any such claims must be filed -- with all supporting statements and documentation -- within nine days or less of the issuance of an actual induction order, thereby necessitating advance preparation.
"The Episcopal Church traditionally has supported conscientious objection as a valid faith witness," said Peace Fellowship chairman, the Rev. John M. Gessell, School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn. The Fellowship's"first and continuing purpose is to help Episcopalians come to grips with choices about militarism in their personal lives," he added. Gessell said that "all members of our Church can help a new generation of young Americans learn about the meaning of their faith as they consider options about draft registration."
The Episcopal Peace Fellowship cooperates closely with the Church's Conscientious Objector Registry, the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors in Washington, D.C., and the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors in Philadelphia, Penn.
For more information about draft registration, registration counseling and conscientious objection, the Peace Fellowship may be contacted by calling 202/363-5532, or writing to Hearst Hall, Wisconsin Avenue & Woodley Road, Washington, D.C. 20016.