The Reporter For Conscience' Sake June 2025 |
Hello! Welcome to the June Newsletter |
Report from the Executive Director In the first quarter of this year, we saw a significant jump in Conscientious Objector applications—more than we’ve seen in recent years. This momentum is a sign that more people are choosing the path of conscience and courage. In May, we partnered with Veterans for Peace and the Refuser Solidarity Network not only to honor International CO Day, but to expand education around what it means to be a CO—whether civilian or military. We also started work in Maryland to support the creation of recruiter abuse hotlines in schools and to bring this issue before the state assembly. Across all of this work, one thing is clear: people are searching for alternatives to war—and finding them. The conversations are growing louder, and the community around COs is becoming stronger and more visible than ever |
It Takes a Village: Honoring Courage on International Conscientious Objector Day |
They say it takes a village to raise a child—but it also takes a village to stand beside someone choosing a path of peace in a world that often demands conformity and silence. The journey of a Conscientious Objector (CO) is one of profound moral courage, often made in isolation, with few guideposts. Yet, the strength and knowledge needed for that journey are out there—in mentors, allies, and those who have walked this path before. With the support of a compassionate village, that wisdom becomes accessible, and the burden becomes lighter. This is the spirit of International Conscientious Objector Day, observed on May 15 each year. It is a day to reflect on the trials, sacrifices, and victories of those who have stood up—past and present—to say, “I will not go to war.” It’s a day to lift up the voices of COs and affirm the communities that have stood with them. This year, the Center on Conscience & War, in collaboration with Veterans for Peace and the Refuser Solidarity Network—an organization that supports Israeli military refusers—hosted a powerful event that brought together three individuals who have each declared themselves Conscientious Objectors: Juan Bettancourt, Joy Meltzer, and Max Kresch. Each of them shared deeply personal stories—how their CO journey began, the immense emotional and bureaucratic challenges they faced while seeking recognition within the military, and what it meant to finally receive discharge. These were not just stories of resistance, but of awakening. Of being the lone voice in a room full of silence. Of learning that peace is not passive—it is a stance, a commitment, and often, a fight of its own. What united their stories, despite different backgrounds and experiences, was the village that surrounded them—the community of organizations and individuals who offered support, validation, and hope. They found not just resources and guidance, but a sense of belonging. A place to land when the ground beneath them felt unsteady. That village didn’t just help them get through—it checked in on them, stood by them, and reminded them that they were not alone. On International CO Day, they gave back to that village by sharing their stories. In doing so, they helped light the path for others who may one day find themselves at the beginning of the same journey—unsure, afraid, and searching for someone who understands. The village continues to grow. Across borders and belief systems, it reaches anyone who hears the call to conscience and chooses peace. The Center on Conscience & War, Refuser Solidarity Network, Veterans for Peace, and many others will be there to welcome those who join this growing community of moral courage. To watch the full video of this year’s International CO Day event, visit CCW’s Facebook page.
To support these organizations and stand with those who stand for peace, click the links below and learn how you can be part of the village. |
To the left are the statistics from the first quarter of 2025. Each of these statistics is not just a number, but an individual who has the courage to take bold steps to follow their conscience. We stand with every one of these individuals and the many who struggle with conscience and war every day. |
Blog Spot from our Friends |
This comes from our friend Olga Karatch with the No to NATO organization:
I’d like to share with you something critically important — and disturbingly underreported. Across all media — whether Russian, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, or Western — one narrative dominates: weapons, deaths, casualties, and more weapons. What is rarely discussed is the growing number of Russian men who do not want to fight. These are people who are resisting war under extreme personal risk — risking prison, torture, or execution. Yet their voices are ignored. According to independent Russian outlet “Important Stories”, at least 49,000 soldiers and officers have deserted the Russian army since the beginning of the war. This figure is based on two sources: When combined, these two databases name 49,001 individuals — almost exactly matching the estimate of the Ukrainian OSINT group Frontelligence Insight, which counted 50,554 deserters as of December 2024. And experts believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. Analyst Alexey Alshansky from the “Farewell to Arms” project states clearly: the real number of Russian deserters is much higher — these are only the ones we know by name. Because these men represent a powerful, invisible, and peace-oriented force that has said no to war — despite brutal consequences. Yet no state, no institution, and no European government has stepped up to help them. At the same time, our small and underfunded network — which already works with Belarusian, Ukrainian, and Russian conscientious objectors and deserters — is overwhelmed. The real number of men refusing to take up arms is ten times higher than what appears in public databases. And they are left in limbo — undocumented, unprotected, and unseen. They are not "visible victims" for the EU. But they are real — and the silence around them is deafening. Where is the support for those who say no to war?
Yes, I know — that’s a rhetorical question, full of sarcasm.
But it is also an appeal. If we truly want peace, we must start by seeing and supporting those who choose it, even when it costs them everything. With deep conviction and solidarity,
Olga |
Want to Help Someone Find the Courage to Say No to War?
If you, your organization, your congregation, or your community group wants to learn how to support Conscientious Objector civilians preparing for a possible draft or understanding the current selective service laws we are here to help.
The Center on Conscience & War offers workshops and trainings that empower communities to understand and support the CO process. We can present in person or via Zoom, wherever you are.
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Drafted Conscientious Objectors served their country with compassion and conviction—often in hospitals, public health, and humanitarian roles—yet their contributions remain largely unrecognized. Through the “Living Peace in a Time of War” initiative, you can help change that by placing a commemorative marker in honor of a CO in your life. These markers offer a powerful, visible tribute to those who chose peace over war, reminding us that service comes in many forms. Join us in lifting up their legacy and ensuring their courage is never forgotten. 👉 To place your order please click on the form link below: https://forms.gle/TgVMGvZwwHpnAKVq5 |
We invite you to help us meet our mission! Here are a few ways you can help: 1: Donate! Sign up to be a recurring donor or make a one-time donation 2: Check out our website or visit us on our Facebook Page |
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