Should I Enlist?

Denominational Position

The official stand of the Church was reaffirmed by action taken at the 1972 Annual Council of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists held 14 – 29 October in Mexico City, Mexico:

“Genuine Christianity manifests itself in good citizenship and loyalty to civil government. The breaking out of war among men in no way alters the Christian’s supreme allegiance and responsibility to God or modifies their obligation to practice their beliefs and put God first.

This partnership with God through Jesus Christ who came into this world not to destroy men’s lives but to save them causes Seventh-day Adventists to advocate a noncombatant position, following their divine Master in not taking human life, but rendering all possible service to save it. As they accept the obligation of citizenship as well as its benefits, their loyalty to government requires them willingly to serve the state in any noncombatant capacity, civil or military, in war or peace, in uniform or out of it, which will contribute to saving life, asking only that they may serve in those capacities which do not violate their conscientious convictions.
This statement is not a rigid position binding church members, but gives guidance leaving the individual member free to assess the situation for her or himself.”

When national laws permit options, church members, in making a personal decision on how to fulfill obligated terms of service to their country, should first consider the historic teaching of the Church on non-combatancy. If because of personal convictions they choose otherwise, pastors, chaplains, teachers or other church workers should aid the member in satisfying any legal requirements for securing their choice and should minister to the member’s spiritual needs as follows:

a. For those choosing civilian alternative service in lieu of military service, pastoral counsel and guidance should be provided when it is established that such a request is based on consistent religious experience. Pastors, chaplains, teachers, or other church workers should provide statements of their personal knowledge of the member’s position on the following:

(1) church membership,
(2) attendance and participation in services of the church,
(3) personal standards of conduct,
(4) previous expressions of belief supporting the request for exemption. Those providing such statements should request government officials to respect and honor the individual’s personal convictions.
b. For those who conscientiously choose military service as a combatant, pastoral counsel and guidance should be provided in ministering to their needs since the Church refrains from passing judgment on them.
Notice that the Seventh-day Adventist Church advocates a noncombatant position, but does not require it. Thus, some church members are willing to train with and use weapons; while others cannot, because of their own individual conscience, have anything to do with weapons or military service. Historically, most Seventh-day Adventists have served as noncombatant medics for several reasons: (1) Such service minimizes Sabbath conflicts (saving and maintaining life is honorable on Sabbath), and (2) Such service is more in harmony with the Church’s stated recommendation.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church does not seek to be the conscience for any member or commander. But we do seek to inform the conscience and behavior of both, so decisions can be made with maximum understanding and thought.

Conscription

ADVICE FOR ADVENTISTS WHO ARE BEING CONSCRIPTED

Inform your pastor of your notice to report to the military and the date you are to begin serving
Ask members of your home church to pray for you
Tell the authorities about your faith convictions and ask for accommodation or consideration of your faith practices
Enter the military with a positive spirit. Many Adventists have served honorably, been promoted and earned awards without sacrificing their integrity. They “survived” their military experience and so can you. In fact, many left a credible and positive impression on their peers and leaders. It is possible to be a faithful Adventist in military service without compromising principle
As soon as possible after induction into the military, send the local conference and your home church your contact information
If your nation’s military has chaplains, meet with them and express your willingness to support their chapel religious program. Also share your religious requirements and ask for their support
During basic training you will more than likely be required to train on Sabbaths and with a weapon. There are few options in most militaries. If you refuse to train, be prepared to face serious consequences, but also know that regardless of what is done, the Lord will be with you in your test of faith.
Be good citizens and neighbors.
Know the laws of your nation related to military and public service. Comply with them to the best of your understanding and ability, insofar as conscience permits.
Commit yourself to being faithful to your beliefs and being the best possible witness.
Stay in contact with your home church, pastor and Adventist military chaplains.
Support Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries offerings; be faithful stewards.

Enlistment

FOR THOSE COMTEMPLATING ENLISTING

Prayerfully seek the Lord’s guiding in this decision. Be sure enlisting is the right action to pursue.
Ask Adventist chaplains, pastors who have served in the military, veterans what to expect and how to prepare.
Study the applicable public laws about religious freedom in your country. Learn what military regulations say about the practice of religion in the military.
Read carefully the oath you will be required to take. Study the enlistment contract carefully and know what you are signing. You are voluntarily placing yourself under public law with its consequences for violation or failure to fulfill your commitment.
The official Church position discourages voluntary enlistment, because of the potential for faith conflicts. Those who do enlist are encouraged to serve as noncombatants if that option exists. The Church passes no judgment on individuals who choose to serve as combatants, noncombatants or in some alternate service as pacifists. The Church respects individual conscience in this and other matters; it is not a test of fellowship. Be assured, regardless of your choice, pastoral care and religious support for your spiritual well-being will continue to be offered and available to you.
Be good citizens and neighbors.
Know the laws of your nation related to military and public service. Comply with them to the best of your understanding and ability, insofar as conscience permits.
Commit yourself to being faithful to your beliefs and being the best possible witness.
Stay in contact with your home church, pastor and Adventist military chaplains.
Support Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries offerings; be faithful stewards.

Non-combatancy

The Seventh-day Adventist Church officially organized during a tragic civil war that divided the United States of America (1861-1865). Early in their denominational formation Adventists were confronted with the dilemma of how to fulfill civic and faith relationships responsibly, especially when temporal and religious obligations were in apparent conflict. After much prayerful and thorough study early church leaders concluded that the best position to adopt was the principle of noncombatancy. This stance was officially registered with the United States federal government in 1864 and has remained the position of Seventh-day Adventists ever since.
Noncombatant service and training is defined as follows:

1. The term “noncombatant service” shall mean (a) service in any unit of the armed forces which is unarmed at all times; (b) service in the medical department of any of the armed forces, wherever performed; or (c) any other assignment of the primary function of which does not require the use of arms in combat; provided that such other assignment is acceptable to the individual concerned and does not require them to bear arms or to be trained in their use.

2. The term “noncombatant training” shall mean any training which is not concerned with the study, use, or handling of arms or weapons.
The official stand of the Church was reaffirmed by action taken at the 1972 Annual Council of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists held 14 – 29 October in Mexico City, Mexico:

This partnership with God through Jesus Christ who came into this world not to destroy men’s lives but to save them causes Seventh-day Adventists to advocate a noncombatant position, following their divine Master in not taking human life, but rendering all possible service to save it. As they accept the obligation of citizenship as well as its benefits, their loyalty to government requires them willingly to serve the state in any noncombatant capacity, civil or military, in war or peace, in uniform or out of it, which will contribute to saving life, asking only that they may serve in those capacities which do not violate their conscientious convictions.
This statement is not a rigid position binding church members, but gives guidance leaving the individual member free to assess the situation for her or himself.”