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Ted Studebaker with villagers in field near Di Linh, Vietnam. Studebaker was a worker with Vietnam Christian Service and member of the Church of the Brethren until his death in 1971. Learn about his life and Vietnam experiences in, "the work of Vietnam Christian Service during the Vietnam War." Photo Credit:Brethren Historical Library and Archives (1969-1971) |
The Story Continues
Civilian Public Service provided the first opportunity for conscientious objectors to war in the U.S. to do "work of national importance under civilian direction," as an alternative to military service. In the post WWII-era, a fountain of energy and creativity sprang forth among the individuals and agencies that built the CPS model. New forms of service and new areas of engagement emerged to address social issues, structures of violence, and the aftermath of war.
In this unit, we feature just a few of the stories and events that build on the courage and commitment of WWII conscientious objectors, including:
Still Under Construction
- the CPS legacy in mental health reform
- advocacy in war's aftermath: the work of Mennonites and Quakers to address the scourge of cluster munitions
- the Peace Tax fund and war tax resistance
- peacemaking through nonviolent direct action
War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige as the warrior does today.
President John F. Kennedy