Bible Students

The Association of Bible Students – Bible Students General Convention

Whereas, The Congress of the United States has enacted a conscription law and this law affects the young men and the young women of our fellowship who adhere to the context of this resolution and the teaching of Jesus Christ our Lord, we in General Convention assembled at Chautauqua, Ohio, as representatives of the various Bible Student congregations of the United States, take this opportunity to clearly state our position regarding participation in military service and training in time of peace or time of war.

For the past sixty years the teachings of Pastor Russell in the six Volumes of “Studies in the Scriptures,” “Tabernacle Shadows,” and his other writings, have and do still represent the convictions of all those in our fellowship and service.

Our convictions are the same today as they were during World War I and World War II. We believe that we as Christians should not engage in military service and training. This conviction is based upon our belief that we are children of God, whose laws forbid participation in war.

Further, We recognize the individuality of every Christian in the exercising of his conscience in harmony with the obligations or vows he has made to his Creator.

It is moved that we, The Bible Students General Convention, assembled at the Miami Valley Chautauqua, Chautauqua, Ohio, August 1-8, 1948, declare the above statement is a proper expression of our conscientious convictions.

(Statement of Bible Students General Conference, 1948 and reaffirmed 1965, 1970, amended 1978, 1982,1983, 1993, & 2001)

For further information, contact: Michael Balko, Chairman, Bible Students National Committee for Religious Conscientious Objectors. 321 Kentia Rd., Casselberry, Fl 32707.

Indiana-Ohio Bible Students Convention

The Bible Students are Conscientious Objectors to War

We in convention assembled in Delaware Ohio, as representatives of Bible Student congregations of the United States, take this opportunity to state clearly our position regarding participation in war.

Our convictions are the same today as they were over one hundred years ago. We expect ALL members of the Bible Students to be conscientious objectors to war. We are thankful that the laws of our country provide alternative service in lieu of military training and service.

It is moved that we, the Bible Students Convention assembled in Delaware, Ohio, July 27, 2002 declare the above statement is a proper expression of our conscientious convictions.

(2002 Indiana-Ohio Ecclesias Annual Convention) FROM ELEVENTH EDITION:

2000 Resolution

Whereas, Selective Service has a standby draft procedure which includes a registration law and this effects the young people of our fellowship; and

Whereas, Selective Service also has a standby draft procedure that will effect members of our fellowship who are healthcare professionals;

Therefore, we in convention at Ohio Wesleyan State University in Deleware, Ohio, as representatives of various Bible Students congregations of the United States, take this opportunity to reaffirm our position regarding participation in war.

Our convictions are the same today as they were at the inception of the Bible Students fellowship over one hundred years ago.

We believe that we as Christians should not engage in war. This conviction is based upon our belief that we are children of God, whose laws forbid our participation in war in any form.

We recognize the right of every Christian to his or her conscientious objections, but to us of the Bible Students fellowship, participation in war is forbidden by our understanding of the Bible.

It is moved that we, the Bible Students of assembled in Delaware, Ohio, July 26-30, 2000, Declare the above statement is a proper expression of our conscientious convictions.

For further information, contact: Kenneth W. Rawson, Chairman, Bible Students Coordinating Committee For Selective Service Concerns; www.bibletoday.com.