The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1917-09-13

ed controversy with those who do not
agree with us on points of doctrine,
missing no opportunity of complying
with the Scriptural injunction of re-
turning good FOR evil.
,. TO OUR BRETHREN LIABLE
FOR MILITARY SERVICE.-We rec
ommend that they comply with every
requirement Of the government, avail
ing themselves of every opportunity
to present their claims for exemption,
exercising care that they do not commit
any acts that could be rightfully in
terpreted as desertion or treason
and at the time when they receive the
summons TO enter the military service,
they present themselves to the author
tiles and meekly inform them that I'M
der no circumstances can they con-
sent 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 consciences CO.
incide with this position; submitting
to any penalty the government may
see lit to lnfiict, trusting the Lord for
guidance and protection.
3. TO OUR CONFERENCES AND
CONG EGATIONS.-We recommend
that they make every provision for the
wellbeing of the brethren who may be
called upon to suffer on account of
their faith as result OF this trying
situation. While we expect an atti-
t,lde 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 fervent prayer to Almighty
God that He may bless and so direct
the rulers of our land that we may
lead quiet and peaceable life, in the
FULL exercise of our religious convic-
lions; 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 provi-
dence may override all to the glory of
His name and the strengthening of
His cause among men, we humbly
subscribe our names to these declara-
lions and pledge our powers in devo-
tion to the principles herein set forth.
The above article was signed by 81
bishops, 1874 ministers and 33 deacons
and is we'll defined statement of
their position.
A committee of three brethren, viz:
D. D. Miller, Aaron Loucks and s. G.
Shelter were appointed by the General
Conference to deliver the above doc
ument to the proper authorities at
Washington and the following is their
report:
Washington, D. c., Sept. 1.
Dear Brother:
In an interview with the Secretary
of War, Baker, who received us very
kindly, we received the following in
formation and Instructions:
1. That none of our brethren need
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 9TH
ers, who are drafted and called to the
training camp.
I. Report to the Army officers the
Church to which they belong and their
belief in its creed and principles.
s. This non-resistant position will
place them in detention camps where
they will be properly fed and cared
for
6. In these camps, they will not be
uniformed or drilled.
Z. "A list of services considered non
combatant will be offered, but they
need not accept any in violation of
their cOnsciences.
8. Those who can not accept any
in violation of their consciences.
s. Those who can not accept any
service, either combatant or non-com- |
blatant, will be assigned to some other
service not under the military arm of
the government.
g. Our ministers will be allowed
to visit the brethren at these camps
and to keep in touch with them.
10. Our ministers will be privileged
to give this information and advice to
our brethren in private or in public
AS committee, appointed by Cen
eral Conference, assembled at Yellow
Creek Church, near Goshen, Ind, Aug.
20, 1917, and In consultation with a
committee of Old Order Amish Breth-
rem, we have unanimously agreed to
advise the following:
l. Since the interview with the War