Mennonites in the World War/V
IMPORTANT MEETINGS AND THEIR RESULTS
[edit]Meeting at Kitchener
[edit]Since Canada was in the war for some time be fore the United States was, it fell to our Canadian brethren to bear the burden of the conflict the long est. Meetings were called for prayer and consecra tion. One not soon to be forgotten was called at Kitchener, Ont., for prayer to know what to do. While on the way to the dhurch a letter was re ceived from Government which granted some con cessions and the meeting was changed to a praise service. The brotherhood in the United States prayed much in behalf of our brethren in Canada, at the same time praying earnestly that the awful carnage in the East might be made to cease. An other subject of earnest prayer was that this coun try may not be drawn into the war. We were vitally concerned from the beginning, but doubly so after the President had declared that a state of war ex isted between this country and Germany.
From the beginning of the war, district con ferences nearly all gave some expression on the ques tion of nonresistance and militarism, reaffirming their position and some of them sending letters to the President setting forth the tenets of the Church
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on these points of doctrine, but naturally the broth erhood looked to the General Conference for a statement.
General Conference of 1915
The Mennondte General Conference met near Archbold, Ohio, August 18-20, 1915. One of the questions which came before that body was, "Will this Conference state the position which the Men- nonite Church holds with reference to carnal war fare?" The following answer was adopted:
"We believe that in the light of the life and teaching of Christ and the apostles, no Christian should engage in carnal warfare under any circumstances nor for any cause. Matt. 26:51,52; John 18:36; Rom. 12:17-21; II Cor. 10:4. Our testimony should be for peace and our life should correspond with our testimony. II Tim. 2:24. This was the position of the Church in Reformation times as seen in Article XIV of our Confession of Faith adopted in 1632; in the Civil War (1861-65); and at other times when the trial of our faith meant persecution and death.
"When our government becomes involved in war we should pray for our rulers (I Tim. 2:1,2); have a meek, quiet and submissive attitude toward our government (Rom. 13:7); relieving suffering whenever and wherever oppor tunity affords (Gal. 6:10); but under no circumstances should we enlist as soldiers and fight, choosing rather to suffer affliction and persecution than to inflict violence upon others.
"Brethren drafted for military service should state their position on nonresistance meekly but unhesitatingly, get re lieved if that is possible, but if forced by violence into the army, should suffer themselves to be imprisoned or court- martialed rather than do anything which could in any way result in the loss of life at their hands. As a Church we should disown all members who bear arms as soldiers as that term is commonly understood, but the same time we should stand by all of our brethren in trouble (Gal. 6:2, 10) and lend assistance to all brethren who suffer because of conscription laws. Our position should be plain to our gov ernments and our prayers should ascend for peace.
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Letter to President Wilson and Premier Gordon
A letter was drawn up to send to President Wil son, and one to be sent to the Governor General of Canada. These letters were the same except as the circumstances required a change in the wording suitable to the conditions. The one to President Wilson is given here and from it the other one can easily be imagined.
"To the President of the United States:
"Inasmuch as these are days of stress and trial owing to the conditions of war existing among the leading nations of the world and the threatening conditions which seem to imperil the peace and safety of still other nations, and since the existing conditions involve the spiritual and moral life as well as the material welfare of the citizens of these nations, and especially those whose religious convictions are opposed to the use of carnal weapons, and engaging in carnal war fare, and who hold that the teachings and example of Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace should be followed in loving one's enemies and doing good to all men, in returning good for evil and suffering wrong rather than doing wrong, which principles and practices are dear to many Christian people, and especially to the Mennonite Church,
"Therefore, we the Mennonite General Conference, rep resenting congregations in the United States, Canada, and India, assembled at Archbold, Ohio, August 18-20, 1915, re affirm our position on carnal warfare, and believe it to be the Christian duty of our people to refrain from taking up arms."
"We hereby express our appreciation of the religious privileges hitherto enjoyed by our people in the United States during the previous occasions of war. We desire to commend the President in his efforts to secure and maintain peaceable relations with Europe and Mexico.
"We also desire to express the loyalty of our people residing in the United States in the support of the nation in every Christian duty in the practice of peaceable vocations, respecting authority and praying for divine guidance of those who rule over them, prayng also that God may preserve the nation from war and continue her beneficence to her pepole."
It will not be practical, for want of space, to give all the decisions of the district conferences on
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nonresistan.ce and war. One will be given which is quite representative of a number of others :
The Ohio Conference
The Ohio District Conference held near Lima, Ohio, May 23 and 24, 1917, discussed the question: "Since the conscription bill has been passed, what advice has this conference to give to the young men of the Church?" After some discussion the following was passed :
"Whereas, our nation has become involved in the pres ent conflict of nations which necessarily adds materially to the already great responsibility of our chief magistrate, the President, and,
"Whereas, some of the basic principles of the Men- nonite Church are vitally affected on points related to non- resistance as set forth in the Confession of Faith (For text, see Mennonites on Military Service later in this chapter) adopted at Dortrecht, Holland, in 1632, and later ratified in France, and ever since existing in our creed, and,
"Whereas, our forefathers suffered persecution in Eu rope because of these principles, and came to this country, leaving home and native land in order to obtain the blessing of liberty of conscience which had been promised them here, We, the Ohio Mennonite Church Conference in session, at the Salem Church near Lima, Ohio, May 23, 24, 1917, re solved to submit the following to our brethren on the con scription bill:
"1. We ask all our brethren subject to the draft to register as provided for in the conscription bill and pro claimed by the President.
"2. That the above mentioned brethren procure from the bishops and ministers a certificate of membership as pro vided by this conference to present when necessary to the proper authorities.
"3. That they inform themselves upon the leading principles relating to the existing Mennonite creed that for bids war and to be able to give a good reason for the hope that is within them: Love your enemies (Matt. 5:44). Do good to them that hate you, (Luke 6:27); Pray for them that despitefully use you (Luke 6:28); If my kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight (John 18:36); The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God (II Cor. 10:4).
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"4. That they answer all questions fairly and honestly, and manifest a sincere, submissive, law-abiding disposition as is becoming to a quiet, peaceable faithful follower of Christ.
"5. That they respect our national emblem in accord ance with our faith and practice, and that they avoid any display which might be interpreted as favoring militarism.
"6. That they bear in mind that they are subjects to the higher powers and to obey magistrates and uncomplainingly submit themselves to every good work for the Lord's sake so long as it is not in violation to the fundamental teachings of Christ as interpreted by the Mennonite Church.
"7. To show their appreciation for the degree of im munity which we have enjoyed hitherto and for the prom ise of future exemption, that our opposition to war is not founded upon disloyalty to our government, but upon the conviction that the Gospel of Christ is the Gospel of peace, and ever pray for our rulers that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. I Tim. 2:1,2."
Meeting at Clinton Frame Church
Conscription had become a law, registration day was past, each registrant had been given a num ber, and the order in which they were to appear for examination had been determined. Church leaders were intensely interested in doing all that they possibly could for the young brethren. Late Sat urday night, July 21, 1917, the executive committee of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference de cided to hold a meeting at the Clinton Frame Church, near Goshen, Indiana, to which all the brethren in the draft and their ministers should be invited. The time was short and conditions were very uncertain, so it was decided that it should be as soon as all could be informed and those farthest away could get to the place. It was decided that if all acted at once the meeting could be held Tues day afternoon at one o clock. Word was sent all
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over the conference district that night. Other branches of the Mennonites were also informed.
At the time appointed the ministry gathered in the basement for consultation and prayer. Com plete harmony prevailed on the point in question although there were six branches of Mennonites present. The brotherhood had gathered in the room above and were also engaged in prayer and sup plication. At two o clock the ministry also resorted to this room and to their surprise found it crowded to the doors with men.
After another season of prayer the draft laws were explained and a number of questions were asked and answered as best any one in the audience knew. Our brethren in the draft were the most vitally affected, and it was thought that they should have an opportunity to express themselves as to their attitude and requests. A number responded, and the general thought was, come what will, they wanted to be true to God and the Church, and asked for the prayers of the brotherhood, especi ally in their trying hours. It was a meeting long to be remembered, and one that showed how closely we were knit together when trials were in sight, also that the whole Church was ready to suffer with the young brethren.
General Conference of 1917
As the time approached for the next meeting of the Mennonite General Conference, the executive committee of that body saw the importance of hav ing the position of the Church on militarism set forth in a well prepared statement, and appointed a committee giving them the privilege of calling in as
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many more as they desired. They wrestled with the proposition for several days, and on the after noon of the first day of Conference presented the following which was unanimously adopted :
MENNONITES ON MILITARY SERVICE
A Statement of Our Position on Military Service as
Adopted by The Mennonite General Conference,
August 29, 1917
Inasmuch as present war conditions call for an official utterance from our Church, we, the bishops, ministers, dea cons and delegates of the Mennonite Church in General Con ference assembled at the Yellow Creek Church, near Goshen, Indiana, Aug. 29, 1917, representing sixteen conferences in the United States, Canada, and India, desire to present the following as an expression on the doctrine of nonresistance as applied to present conditions brought on by the World War now raging.
Our Position Defined
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we interpret His command, "Resist not evil," by His other teachings on this subject; viz., "Love your enemies." "Do good to them that hate you." "Pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you." "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight." "All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." The Bible also teaches us not to avenge ourselves (Rom. 12:17-21), that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal" (II Cor. 10:4), and that "the servant of the Lord must not strive" (II Tim. 2:24). Be lieving that the children of God should imbibe and practice these teachings, we hold that Christian people should have no part in carnal warfare of any kind or for any cause. Our attitude on the question of military service is correctly stated in that clause of the Selective Draft Law enacted May 18, 1917, which provides for exemption for members of every church "whose existing creed or principles forbid its mem bers to participate in war in any form and whose religious convictions are against war or participation therein." We deeply regret, however, that this exemption is practically nullified (save in the matter of bearing arms) in the further
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provision empowering the government to impress nonresist- ant people into noncombatant service.
In our Confession of Faith, adopted at Dortrecht, Hol land, in 1632, the position of our church is defined as fol lows:
"Regarding revenge, whereby we resist our en emies by the sword, we believe and confess, that the Lord Jesus has forbidden His disciples and follow ers all revenge and resistance, and has thereby com manded them not to return evil for evil, nor railing for railing; but to put up the sword into the sheat, or, as the prophets foretold, beat them into plowshares. Matt. 5:39,44; Rom. 12:14; I Pet. 3:9; Micah 4:3.
"From this we see, that, according to the ex ample, life, and doctrine of Christ, we are not to do wrong, or cause offense or vexation to any one; but to seek the welfare and salvation of all men; also, if necessity should require it, to flee, for the Lord's sake, from one city to another, and suffer the spoil ing of our goods, rather than give offense to any one; and if we are struck on our right cheek, rather to turn the other also than to revenge ourselves or return the blow. Matt. 5:39, 10:23; Rom. 12:19.
"And that we are, besides this, also to pray, for our enemies, comfort and feed them, when they are hungry and thirsty, and thus by well doing convince them and overcome the evil with good. Rom. 12: 20, 21.
"Finally, that we are to do good in all respects, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God, and according to the law of Christ, do nothing to others that we would not wish them to do unto us. II Cor. 4:2; Matt. 7:12; Luke 6:31." Article 14, Page 25.
This position has been uniformly held by our fore fathers from Reformation times and their loyalty and devo tion to their faith is attested by their suffering, even to the extent of martyrdom and banishment by those governments enjoining military service upon their citizens, and for which cause they gratefully accepted the hospitality and the guar antee of religious liberty of this land, historical records bearing ample witness to these facts.
In relation to governments we believe that every child of God, besides being a citizen of the Heavenly Kingdom (John 18:36; Phil. 3:20), should also be in subjection to civil governments (Rom. 13:1-5; Tit. 3:1; I Pet. 2:13-17). Even laws which may seem unwise and unjust should be
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submitted to uncomplainingly and no thought should be entertained of doing anything but comply with all that they ask of us unless they prescribe conditions contrary to the Gospel; in which case we should meekly but faithfully stand true to the principles of the Gospel, even if the consequences entail suffering. This position has been exemplified by the apostles (Acts 5:29) and our early church fathers.
Past Favors Acknowledged
It is with grateful hearts that we recount the favors and considerations accorded our people in the past. In the days of William Penn our fathers accepted his invitation to immigrate to this land where they might enjoy the freedom of conscience in religion and exemption from military serv ice. These benefits were later confirmed to them by the Constitution of the United States and by State Constitutions. We rejoice that freedom of conscience is thus recognized by the laws of our land. We appreciate the exemption accord ed our brethren, both in the North and in the South, during the Civil War, when once their position with reference to war became fully known. We still have among us brethren w r ho suffered for conscience sake during that period, but re call with much gratitude the freedom from military service which that exemption secured for them.
We are grateful for the exemption clause for nonresist- ant people in the new Selective Draft Law, and hereby ex press the hope that when the powers that be fully under stand our position with reference to military service, this clause referring to noncombatant service may be accordingly modified.
Our Standard
We acknowledge with deep humiliation that not all of our people have lived in full conformity with the Gospel standard or consistent with our profession of a holy life. Some, contrary to the teachings of the Church, have been entangled in politics, in commercialism, in pleasure-seeking, and in other forms of worldliness; but it should be borne in mind that such conduct has been without regard to the express wish and teaching of the Church. The Mennonite Church having continually stood for the surrendered life, a consistent separation from the world, and an attitude of peace toward all men, we call upon our people to bear in mind our obligations (Eph. 4:1) that in all places they may be known by the Scriptural designation "A peculiar people, zealous of good works."
The Present Issue
Recognizing with gratefulness the consideration given
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our religious convictions, as previously stated, we take this opportunity of giving expression of our attitude concerning the issue as it now confronts us. As a Christian people we have always endeavored to support the government under which we lived in every capacity consistent with the teach ing of the Gospel as we understand it, and will continue to do so; but according to this teaching we cannot participate in war in any form; that is, to aid or abet war, whether in a combatant or noncombatant capacity. We are conscious of what this attitude, under existing circumstances, may mean. No one who really understands our position will accuse us of either disloyalty or cowardice; for our record has proven our submissiveness to the powers that be, and to maintain our position under present conditions requires greater courage than to accept noncombatant service. But believing as we do, that any form of service under the mil itary arm of the government means responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for the taking of human life and other destructive acts of war, we cannot consistently do otherwise than hold aloof from every form of military service. Our people have at all times refrained from voluntary enlistment for service in any form under previous military laws, and for us now to accept service under the military arm of the government, would be equivalent to a denial of the faith and principles which we have held as vital to our spiritual well- being and eternal salvation.
We appeal to the President of the United States and all others in authority to bear with us in this attitude and not to construe our position as a lack of appreciation for past favors or as an act of disloyalty; also to grant unto us full liberty of conscience and the free exercise of our faith.
Recommendations
1. To the Brotherhood. We recommend that in hu mility we seek at the throne of grace the blessings which others have sought to secure through the power of the sword. That we continue our prayers in behalf of the rul ers of our land and all others in authority, continue to pray for the peace of nations; that we maintain a calmness of mind and heart that naturally accompanies a trust in God; that we refrain from uncharitable criticism in any form, and avoid heated controversy with those who do not agree with us on points of doctrine, missing no opportunity of com plying with the Scriptural injunction of returning good for evil.
2. To Our Brethren Liable for Military Service. We recommend that they comply with every requirement of the government, availing themselves of every opportunity to
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present their claims for exemption, exercising care that they do not commit any acts that could be rightfully interpreted as desertion or treason and at the time that they receive the summons to enter the military service, they present themselves to the authorities and meekly inform them that under no circumstances can they consent to service, either combatant or non-combatant, under the military arm of the government, citing them to the fact that they are members of a church whose creed and principles forbid them to have part in war in any form, and that their conscience coincides with this position; submitting to any penalty the govern ment may see fit to inflict, trusting he Lord for guidance and protection.
3. To Our Conferences and Congregations. We rec ommend that they make every provision for the wellbeing of our brethren who may be called upon to suffer on account of their faith as a result of this trying situation. While we expect an attitude of submission and loyalty on the part of our members, we should not deal harshly, but charitably and with consideration, with our brethren who may be put to the test in these days of trial.
With a fervent prayer to almighty God that He may bless and so direct the rulers of our land that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in the full exercise of our religious conviction; that we, as His children, may be faithful to and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; that God in His wise providence may overrule all to the glory of His name and the strengthening of His cause a- mong men, we humbly subscribe our names to these declara tions and pledge our powers in devotion to the principles herein set forth.
The conference decided to send a committee of three brethren to Washington, D. C., to discuss the situation with the authorities there, and carry to them the document which had just been passed, and later to present their findings to the Church. Aaron Loucks, S. G. Shetler and D. D. Miller were chosen for this important work.
It had been suggested that those in the draft should be given an opportunity to express them selves to Conference. Immediately after the noon intermission of the sdcond day the moderator asked all the brethren in the draft age to discuss the mat-
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ter among themselves and decide whether they wanted to have any statement made to Conference in their behalf, and if so, to appoint a spokesman. They did so, and appointed E. F. Hartzler of Mar- shallville, Ohio. At an opportune time they came into the tent in a body and their representative said in part :
"We heartily thank the conference for the interest that it is taking in us, and especially for the privilege of express ing our wishes before this body. We thank you for the prayers that are being offered in our behalf and for the document that was drawn up and passed yesterday. Many in our meeting expressed themselves that by God's help they wanted to stand by the thoughts presented in the resolution, and they hoped that when the trying hour came the prayers of the whole brotherhood would ascend in their behalf, and that God would give them grace to stand. Not a word of resentment was spoken by anyone, but the wish was ex pressed that the Gospel of Jesus Christ might be lived out whether in the presence of officials or any other class of people with whom we would come in contact. We thank you again for your interest and pray God to bless you and us."
Committee Sent to Washington
These were hours of suspense. The committee appointed to go to Washington proceeded on their journey direct from the conference, and on Saturday morning, in company with two other committees, one from the Old Order Amish Mennonites and one from the Franconia Mennonite Conference (who had previously arranged a meeting with Secretary New ton D. Baker) came before the Secretary of War on the same day. The Secretary received them cor dially and went over the situation with them very frankly. On the whole the meeting was very satis factory. The committee sent day messages direct from Washington to the various sections informing the brotherhood of the favorable reception and ask-
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ing them to look for a night letter on Sunday morn ing. In addition to these, letters were sent out by mail giving more details. Here is a copy of the let ter:
"Washington, D. C. September 1, 1917. Dear Brother: In an interview with Secretary Baker, who received us, kindly, we received the following information and instruc tion:
"1. That none of our brethren need to serve in any capacity which violates their creed and conscience.
"2. When they are called they should report at the place designated on their notice.
"3. From the place designated on their notice they should go with others who are drafted and called to training camps.
"4. Report to army officers the church to which they belong, and their belief in its creed and principles.
"5. This nonresistant position will place them in deten tion camps where the} r will be properly fed and cared for.
"6. In these camps they will not be uniformed nor drilled.
"7. A list of service considered non-combatant will be offered, but they need not accept any in violation to their conscience.
"8. Those who cannot accept any service, either com batant or non-combatant, will be assigned to some other service, not under the military arm of government.
"9. Our ministers will be allowed to visit the brethren in these camps and keep in touch with them.
"10. Our ministers will be privileged to give this in formation and advice to our brethren in private or in public meetings.
"As a committee appointed by General Conference, as sembled at Yellow Creek Church near Goshen, Ind., August 29, 1917, in consultation with a committee appointed by the Franconia Conference, and a committee of Old Order Amish brethren, we are unanimously agreed to advise the following:
"1. Since our interview with the war department we advise our brethren to state their position on the Church, creed, and principles to army officers at mobilization camps.
"2. We again encourage our brethren not to accept any service, either combatant or non-combatant, under the mil itary arm of government in violation of their conscience and the creed or principles of the church.
"While our brethren will not be freed entirely, yet freed from serving under the military arm of Government, we
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should be very grateful for the consideration that the author ities have shown us. May our churches everywhere con tinue to send prayers to the Throne of Grace in behalf ot our young brethren in this trying hour and for those in authority so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable 1
"Your brethren, Aaron Loucks, S. G. Shetler, D. D. Miller, General Conference Committee."
The letter as published aroused great interest on the part of nonresistant people, members of other churches as well as Mennonites. I. W. Taylor and W. J. Sweigert, members of the Church of the Breth ren, desiring confirmation of the information sent out by the General Conference committee, arranged with Congressman Greist of Lancaster Co., Pa., to have an interview with Secretary Baker and from him received the following note under date of Sept. 16, 1917: "Mr. Baker confirmed in his interview with these gentlemen all the 10 points except the Sth." Immediately the point in question was re stated. As corrected it read: "Those who can not accept any service under the military arm of the government will be held in detention camps to a- wait such disposition as the government may decide upon." A corrected copy of the above letter was sent to Secretary Baker and the following answer was received :
"War Department, Washington, D. C. Sept. 14, 1917: My Dear Mr. Loucks:
"The Secretary of War asks me to thank you for your kindness in sending him a copy of the corrected form of statement regarding the interview referred to which is en tirely satisfactory to him.
"F. P. Keppel."
The purpose of these special meetings was to give specific instructions as to what the decisions of the war department were, and what might be
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expected by those who remained at home as well as those who would be called to camp. One of the leading things emphasized in the meetings was that great care should be exercised to give as little of fense as possible, either to individuals or to Gov ernments; that all official commands should be o- beyed so long as they were not in opposition to the principles of the Gospel, but that at all hazards the brotherhood should give full allegiance to the teach ings of Christ and His apostles. It would not have been possible nor advisable to try to work out de tails in these meetings as they would come to each individual. Many wished for even more specific directions, but those who followed closely the in structions which were given found them a great help when the trying hour came.