For Quakers, opposition to war is not just a personal opinion but a expression of our Peace Testimony — the long-held conviction that the Spirit calls us away from violence and toward reconciliation. Conscientious objection is one of the ways this testimony becomes real in a person's life.
A conscientious objector (CO) is someone of any faith who, because of deeply held moral or religious convictions, refuses to participate in war or armed conflict. In the United States, young men are required to register with the Selective Service between ages 18 and 25 — even though there is currently no active draft. Registration has long been automatic in many states through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and starting in December 2026, it becomes fully automatic nationwide: the Selective Service System will register eligible men itself using federal records, rather than requiring anyone to fill out a form.
This makes it even more important for young people to document their convictions early. Since registration can now happen quietly in the background, a young person may never face a moment that prompts them to think about their beliefs about war — unless their family or meeting raises it first. Establishing and documenting one's convictions well before any draft notice could arrive remains the surest way to protect that choice later.
A good first step is to put your convictions in writing now — when they took shape, where, and how — and to share that letter with others. Many Quaker meetings also keep a record on file that a young Friend has been raised in, or has come to hold, these convictions, which can later serve as supporting testimony.
This is also a communal matter, not just an individual one. Meetings can support young Friends by talking openly about the Peace Testimony, offering to write letters of support, and making sure young people and their families know this option exists long before it might be needed.
If you are a young Friend (or a parent) thinking this through: please reach out to us. Someone from the meeting is glad to talk with you about the Peace Testimony, what conscientious objector status means, and how to begin documenting your convictions.
This page reflects our meeting's commitment to the Peace Testimony. It is offered as general information and encouragement to seek support — not as legal advice.