Even as our peacemaking grows and responds to new areas of violence
and injustice, problems related to Militarism still exist. PJSN works
and will continue to work on how we as Mennonites can respond to
Militarism. Here’s an update how we been working on this issue the past
few months.
You may have been aware of a US government
commission holding meetings last year to review Selective Service Administration practices. Among other
topics, they wanted to get feedback on things like expanding SS
registration to women, and ideas on increasing public service.
The
commission is still active. Earlier this year they released an interim report. Of note, in that
report is that the commission is considering ways to implement “universal
service.” This could take on many different forms and have a variety of
implications, some of them good, some of them not.
In June, PJSN
attended a gathering of Anabaptist groups and denominations to discuss
the interim report. The work that began there is continuing this summer.
We will keep you updated through future issues of DoveTales, through
PJSN.org and through Mennonite press on the progress of the commission,
how we are responding and what you can do to make your voice heard!
