Suchen

... MENNONITE NURSES' ASSOCIATION THE CHRISTIAN NURSE 1718 South 11th Street Elkhart, Indiana 46514 August 14, 1968 Dear Rachel, Your letter finally reached me. It went to the Prairie Street address. Then to the Fort Wayne address. Then to my present address. I have studied and considered that you have presented to me, and to the board regarding the proposed resolution about drafting nurses. I have talked and phoned various people have and have sought their wisdom and guidance. We all feel that we Mennonite nurses should go through the channels already set up by our church for the boys facing, draft calls, ets. We feel that we want these committees to represent us women as they do the men. I have obtained some addresses for you. You might write to these men and ask them of our possibility of being under their wings, as are our brothers. Walton Hackman, 21 South 12th Street, Akron. Penna 17501, is the Executive Secretary of Peace and Social Concerns. J. Harold Scherk, 550 Washington Building, 15 and New York Ave., NW Washington, D.D. 20005, is the Peace representative for the Mennonite Church. He has his office close to Capital Hill. My advise is that you contact these men. After they give us some concrete ideas, then maybe we should got together for a Board Meeting. We all should get together on this with one of these men or with Boyd Nelsen or with Ray Horst of the Mission Board. Thank you for your concern. God Bless You. Norma  ...

... 739 Janet Avenue Lancaster, Pa., 17601 September 14, 1968 Edna Amstutz, R.N. 301 W. 12th Street LaJunta, Colorado Dear Mrs. Amstutz: Thank you for your encouraging and prayerful letter. This is why our Association is where we stand today because of you and others who have directed or steered the Association so faithfully and I pray the Association will only be seen as a Christ-like nurses association in this world. It is most kind of your to ocnsider the faraway point and this is greatly appreciated. You need to commended on your step ahead of the Mennonite Nurses Association in re-structuring. I'm glad there is one Association with initiative who feels we cannot just wait but be up and instituting. However I am sure this period will strengthen the Association. Incidentally the Board presented a resolution to the Committee on Peace and Social Concerns reference to the drafting of nurses. The resolution is as follows: "WHEREAS The Mennonite Nurses Association's philosophy is: 'Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me, Bible', and that this is relevant to our situation today; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED: as a Christian Organization we believe in a peace-making program and not in a program of destruction; therefore we trust an alternative service - not associated with the military - be available for persons claiming the non-resistent position." This was prompted from the ANA resolution adopted or reaffirmed at the convention in Dallas, Texas May 1968. Best wishes to you and your fine association in your endeavers and may you feel keenly the Lord's direction as you plan a retreat. Sincerely  ...

... 739 Janet Avenue Lancaster, Pa., 17601 September 14, 1968 Mary Ellen Meyer, R.N. 708 Emerson Avenue Goshen, Indiana, 46526 Dear Mrs. Meyer: Thank you for your reply. Mrs. Brubaker and I have discussed the itinerary and believe one of the Board members from the Goshen area would be capable of presenting the proposed structure of the Mennonite Nurses Association. Mrs. Ernest Smucker and Mrs. Sophia Moore are Board members. I believe Mrs. Brubaker will be in contact with you to give you the details on this arrangement. My second request is in reference to our resolution which was sent to the Committee on Peace and Social Concerns. This resolution was prompted because of the action taken at the ANA convention in Dallas, Texas, May 1968. The June issue of The Journal of Nursing, page 1261 gives the ANA resolution. This is in reference to drafting nurses. Certainly the christian nurse has a tremendous opportunity to serve, however we believe in peace-making service rather tahn destructive service. The Board felt it was imperative our concerns be directed and heard to the proper authorities. The following is the resolution: "WHEREAS: the Mennonite Nurses Association's philosophy is: 'Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me, Bible', and that this is relevant to our situation today; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED: as a Christian Organization we believe in a peace-making program and not in a program of destruction; therefore we trust an alternative service - not association with the military - be available for persons claiming the nonoresistent [sic] position. The Comittee [sic] on Peace and Social Concerns suggested if this is on their agenda for the committee meeting, Nover 7-9, 1968, Cleveland, Ohio, they would like for a representative from our Association to be present. You have been suggested to serve in this capacity. Would you be able to do this service? May we discover through His leading the best to advance His kingdom. Sincerely, Rachel M. Fisher, R.N. President  ...

... 739 Janet Avenue Lancaster, Pa., 17601 September 14, 1968 Doris Nafziger, R.N. R. D. #1, Box 10 Archbold, Ohio Dear Mrs. Nafziger: Thank you for your letter and my apologies for this long delay. I have finally decided I have procrastinated long enough and I must reduce that pile of correspondence. I am delighted you plan a "revival" of your local nurses association. I have sent your letter to Mrs. Brubaker and if she cannot arrange to come, she will plan to have a Board member nearer your area join you at this meeting. Also another item which abs been dominating our business transaction by mail was a resolution from the MNA which was prompted by action taken at the ANA convention in Dallas, Texas, May 1968. This was a resolution reference to drafting nurses. Our resolution to the Committee on Peace and Social Concerns is: "WHEREAS: The Mennontie Nurses Association's philosophy is: 'Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me. Bible', and that this is relevant to our situation today; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED: as a Christian Organization we believe in a peace-making program and not in a program of destruction; therefore, we trust an alternative service - not associated with the military - be available for persons claiming the non-resistent position." Best wishes to you and your association and may we feel keenly the will of the Lord in this work He has for us to do. Sincerely, Rachel M. Fisher, R.N. President  ...

... 739 Janet Avenue Lancaster, Pa., 17601 September 14, 1908 Mae Schlabach, R.N. 1187 Westmoreland Drive Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801 Dear Mrs. Schlabach: Thank you for your letter, and I'm so glad you have arranged with Mrs. Brubaker to speak to your local group. You will enjoy Mrs. Brubaker so much and her enthusiasm just ignites the fire. Give my greetings to the Harrisonburg Mennonite Nurses Association. The Mennonite Nurses Association also has another item of interest for your nurses. At the ANA convention Dallas, Texas, May 1968, a resolution to draft nurses was adopted. The Mennonite Nurses believe we have a positive witness which we must make known to our authorities. Therefore a resolution fromm the Mennonite Nurses Association was sent to the Committee on Peace and Social Concerns as to the position we belive is Christ-like. We the resolution is: "WHEREAS: The Mennonite Nurses Association's philosophy is:'Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me. Bible', and that this is relevant to our situation today; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED: as a Christian Organization we believe in a peace-making program and not in a program of destruction; therefore, we trust an alternative service not associated with the military - be available for persons claiming the non-resistent position." May the Lord direct us in this world so we will be Christ-like in our nursing ministry. Sincerely  ...

... Miss Maude Swartzendruber, LaJunta Hospital, LaJunta Colorado Miss Jean Bender, 1140 Woodward Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana, 46514 Kathryn E. Hostetler, Mt. Cl., Narman, W. Va. 26270 Norma F. Martin, 1321 1/2 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind. 46514 Mrs. Mary E. Bigler, 145 W. Indiana Avenue, Elkhart, Ind. 46514 Mrs. Ralph Moore, R. #5, Goshen, Indian, 46526 Miss Grace Mumaw, 215 College Aven. Lan., 17602 Mrs. Ernest Smucker, R. D. #5, Bluff Road, 739 Janet Avenue Goshen, Ind. 46526 Lancaster, Pa., 17601 Miss Marian Groff, 228 E. Ross St., Lanc., Pa., 17602 Dear I am still thriving on the wonderful time we had at annual meeting and our good admonition to build with God's dimensions. The pertinent issue at stake is the resolution quoting from the June, 1968, AJN Report of Convention,page 1261, "Resolved there be nurse involvement in planning to met civilian and military care needs in time of disaster, and if or when such needs cannot be met through ordinary means, for ANA support of selective service legislation which provides for orderly and locally determined withdrawal and assignment." The christian nurse wants to do as Christ has taught us, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me." Therefore, it is extremely important for our Association to have a positive resolution. I have drawn a rough draft for you to study and make any changes, then return it to me with your comments for a final draft to be submitted to the Peace Problems Committee of Elkhart, M.C.C. and to be directed to the proper authorities from the Peace Problems Comnittee. Please state on your reply whether you feel a board meeting is needed and if so state a date and if you could travel to a designated place. If you feel correspondence is adequate please state that too. I would be most happy for you to act in an expeditious manner, for I have been advised by persons interested in our Association not to waste time, but to be prepared and to be one step ahead of government action. Incidently, to date I have had one reply to the letter requesting a visit to the area to present the proposed structure. This was from Sara Weaver, Eastern Ohio. Pray the Lord to have His Witness in this manner. Sincerely, Rachel M. Fisher, R.N.  ...

... Edward Yoder O. O. Millis (?) Paper read at Goshen College Peace Society March 12, 1936 The History-Program and Objectives of the Peace Problems Committee History (Extract from paper read at the 1933 Hesston General Conference) In 1917 at the General' Conference held at Yellowcreek Church, Indiana Brethren Aaron Loucks, S. G. Shetler and D. D. Miller, later designated a Military Problems Committee, were unanimously chosen to meet the authorities at Washington, D. C. regarding exemption from ihs Draft. Following this Committee's report to the 1919 Conference, the following, resolution was presented to Conference and passed all of its recommendations: "We recommend that this General Conference appoint a standing Comittee of five brethren whose duty it shall be to study any legislation of the nation, or its several states, that may come up for consideration which affects our faith who, in cooperation with the Executive Committee of the General Conference, shall take such steps as they deem necessary to give such information to the Church as many tend to preserve the untiy of the faith, and to bring our position before any officials or representatives of Government for their consideration that we may continue to enjoy religious liberty as provided by the constitution of the United States Whereas this body, the the Mennonite General Conferernce, has declared its position on peace the proposed universal compulsory military training, and, Whereas such statement may be of interest to the chief officials of our land, be it Resolved, that a copy of said statement, "Our position on Peace," as passed the said Mennonite General Conference in session near Harrisonburg, Va., August 27-29, 1919, be sent to Honorable Woodrow Wilson, President of the United and such other officials as may be deemed advisable." In accordance with the recommendation on, a standing Committee of five brethren were appointed a Peace Problems Committee. At 1923 Conference the Committee was changed to a membership of three. From the foregoing one notes that the feeling of the the necessity for this Committee and their field of endeavor developed out of our World War experiences. Following the passage of the Selective Draft Act in the spring of 1917 and during the several months preceding the August general Conference of that year, it devolved upon District Conference or other groups to proceedin meeting th problems created for our young men by this act as best they could without any hlep from the General body. After General Conference did act, there was still further delay in efficient procedures until those charged with representing the Church to Government authorities had developed some experience in their work. The need for a Standing Committee charged with the continued responsibility of keeping in touch with pending or proposed legislation affecting our position as Non-resistants and of keeping the Church informed of such, and in turn of keeping before Government authorities the implications of our Faith in relation thereto became self-evident. Hundreds of the Young men directly affected by the Draft then, will gratefully remember to their dying day this avenue of help made vailable to them then by these General Conference agencies. Brethren Aaron Loucks, D. D. Miller, and E. L. Frey served as the Peace Problems Committee from its inception until 1925. The ministry and service to the men in the camps organized under their leadership, their laiasonship between the men and officials of these camps, the contacts they maintained with War authorities in Washington, their interest immediately following the Was [sic] in passing on to Washington the Church's intense concern regards certain proposed features in the pending Defense Act, and in other proposed legislation, rendered teh Church of that period invaluable service. By the time of the 1925 Eureka General Conference Peace Problems of this particular type and urgency were, however, largely ended. The question then confronting Conference was whether there was permanent Peace time need for such a Committee, and if so, whether its function and service should be broadened the following; report end cosequent action resulted: "There has been no meeting of the Committee since the last General Conference, held at Waterloo, Ontario, August 29, 1923. Consistent with the recommendations given in a former report, we again emphasize the necessity of teaching and preaching in puglic services, through the Church publications, in the distribution of peace tracts, pamphlets, and books, the peace principles of the Mennonite Church as taught by our Saviour. A number of Conferences have passed resolutions addressing them to State and Federal Executives, expressing gratitude for the immunity from participating in "Mobilization Day." We believe that the subject of peace, as held by the Church, should be kep before our people, the public, and government officials. Peace Problems Committee Aaron Loucks, Chairman The report was accepted and the following two committees elected to work jointly or separately as occasion justifies: United States Peace Problems Committe: E. L. Frey, Orie O. Miller, C. L. Graber. Canadian Peace Problems Committee: E. S. Hallman, S. F. Coffman, J. Wesley Witmer. This enlarged Committee of six has been functioning under Bro. Frey's chairmanship since then. The Committee submitted to 1927 General Conference a brief statement of policy which has since been referred to as our three-point program. We quote as follows the 1927 report: "The three principal points in the program are: 1. To encourage efforts among our own people which will lead to a clearer understanding of, and a deeper conviction in our own belief in the doctrine of Non-resistance 2. To represent the Church and her position on this doctrine before any departartment of our State, provincials and national governments which have to do with legislation or the enforcement of legislation affecting our status as non-resistant citizens and to encourage officials wherever possible in a wider application of the policy of goodwill rather than that of force or war. 3. To keep before other individuals, groups, denominations and associations who may be seeking more light alorng these lines the gospel interpretations and implications of this doctrine." During the past eight years, the Committee's program has been built around this threefold purpose. In addition to the background which this brief historical sketch of our present Peace Problems Committee gives, it seems to me essential also, for a fair understanding of the Committee's program and objectives, to review a few of the fundamental emphasis in our Peace Philosophy. As Christians committed to a life in full accord with the teachings of Scripture, and the example of our Lord, we have known as by instinct that the Christian life is one committed fully to the Love method of overcomig evil. recently, hovever, have we seemed to sense the importance of an apologetic of our position in terms that help clarify a wider testinony of our position. As yet there are a good many gaps in this apologetic, but we are grateful for the progress made. Let me also state here that the Committee appreciates the leadership being given this field of Peace thinking by several of your professors here at the College. In brief, our position is based on what we designate the Biblica1 doctrine of Non resistance. While its implication in time of War has always been understood mong us that the doctrine practically has immeasurably wider implications. The position is often confused with Pacifism--this no doubt becauae of their similar attitudes to War or to the use of physical coercion in Group conflicts. Perhaps our own position san be clarified by nothing further the similarities and contrasts between Pacifism and Biblical Non-resistence. The Pacifist is done with war because war has also created more evils than it has cured, and he is convinced that by its nature it always will. He takes note of the colossal waste of life, and material resouree and of the unjust suffering of innocent victims that War inevitably brings. He further notes that through invention and the development of science, War has become unspeakably horrible amd if not discontinued threatens to blot out civilization itself. Ofttimes the Pacifist is not a Christian and may think of War as an outgrown institution and is convinced that through the more civilized forms of non-violent coercion as for example the strike, the boycott, or sanctions right may be more effectively maintained against wrong, then by means of physical force. Still other pacifists as for instance Mahatma ghandi of India advocates (and very effectively a passive resistance to evil.) Hence all Pacifism professedly has done with War as between nations or with the use of physical fores as a method of solving inter-social group conflicts. There is, however, wide variance in the philosophies and ideals held by individual pacifists or pacifist organizations. Very few of them would advocate the waiving of individual personal rights as a means of overcoming evil. Their confidenoe rests on the processes of education, and on progress based on the theory of Evolution and ignores the basic passions and sin in unregenerate human nature, and the only true basis for Peace which is in and thru Jesus Christ its Prince. Christian Non-resistanco is a doctrine whose acceptors also can have no part in War. This is not merely because of its economic waste futility and folly; nor because of its insane disregard of the value of human personality and life; nor because of the fast that in its wake are always a multitude of more evils than any war attempted to cure. Neither does the true non-resistant take his position because ofpersonal cowardice, as is witnessed by a long line of martyrs to the faith; nor is it based on the thesis that non-violence can be, as demonstrated by the Ghandi movement, the strike, and the boycott, a more effective form of coercion than force; neither is its basis a passivity towards evil and injustice. The lvoe that Jesus lived and taught goes immeasurably beyond any of these. It is positive, aggressive, constructive. It is love of enemies, a second-mile, coals-of-fire-heaping, overcoming-eve-with-good, force which often ends in apparent defeat, but it is a guaranteed method of victory over evil through the power of Him who is Lord of all. The Non-resistant believes: 1. That jeus meant His teachings (Matt. 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36, John 13:34, 35; Matt. 26:52) on love, goodwill, and the overcoming of evil to be practised and applicable in all of a believer's life and relationships, as He Himself practiced them. 2. That peace within and among men and between groups, classes and races can be guaranteed ONLY thru allegiance to the Prince of Peace and maintained by means of the power that comes from such allegiances. 3. That even though this truth applies only to those who in faith accept it, he also believes that God rules His creation, that He overrules and controls the affairs of men and of nations, so that this followers can be practiceably live thus. 4 4, That his mission as an individual is to be a daily living witness of this principle in practice--that he is to be an apostle to a peace-longing world of this truth in its full measure. To the world's challenge that such a position may be beautifully ideal but that in the main it ignores the realities of social and national security and "that obedience to the non-resistance teaching of Jesus is so obviously inconsistent with the peace and wellbeing of society that He could not have meant this teaching to be taken literally, the non-resistant answers: (1) The ability to practice this teaching of Jesus ia strictly relative to the status of discipleship. It is esentially a law for the Christian community. (2) The negative attitude which the teaching involves has its positive counterpart. Jesus and his disciples use no force, but they are on that account by no means ciphers in the struggle against sin. The point is that the principles of Jesus as a general policy so far from leaving sin unchecked check it more effectively than any coercion or penalization can do." This has been the position of our forefathers during the four last centuries. The Chureh in her official utterances has not once failed in her testimony to it during this time. Many have met a martyr's death, rather than deny this Faith. Perhaps an apology is due for this lengthily discussing the basis of our Peace thinking; and testimony--but this can at least be accepted as a token of the prime importanee the Peace Problems Committee attaches in its work and program to clear consistent comprehensive thinking on this question. In fact to our mind much of the weakness and superficiality in today's peace effort is because of overlooking or ignoring this. Correct thinking as well as right soul and heart allegiances is essential to a fully rounded Peace witness. It cannot be assumed that our thinking is sound Just because we name ourselves Quakers, Brethren, of [sic] Mennonites. How those before have lived and died and thought under the impulsion of thes [sic] tenet of faith should inspire and encourage but cannot substitute for a living faith of our own. As in the matter of the New Birth so in this Grace of committing ourselves fully to the LOVE method Christian living each individual one of us in each new generatfon must take the necessary faith steps. Program and Objectives This leads us naturally then to past and present activities of the Committee on point one of the Committtee's three-point program. For effective work within our own constituency the Comittee early noted the lack of scripturally soounnd Peace literature. Where for example the Friends have dozens of well-wrttten books covering both the historical record of their experience as, Non-resistants in Peace or War, and well books giving the apologetic of their position to the outside world, the Mennonite Chureh had hardly any. The Commiittee feels that the teaching from pulpit, thru the Sunday Schools and other existing agencies can be moat effectively supplemented thru the production of such literature and endeavors to encourage such effort in every possible manner. Wilbur Bender's manuscript on the experiences of Mennonites and other Non-resistant groups from their settlement in the New World thru the Revolution to 1783 and John Horsch's pamphlet on "The Principle ef Non-Resistance are illustrations of the type of projects which the Committee has aided and continues to encourage. The Quarterly Peace Page in the Gospel Herald Doctrinal Supplement as edited by Edw. F. Yoder, and the present seriea of Youth' Christian Companion articles by Guy Hershberger are illustrations of another type of literary production which the Committee encourages. The group within our constituency with talents, ability and inclination for literary oursuits is growing, but not large. The number within this group with understanding of the Church's position on this doctrine, plus deep conviction and the inclination to to devote special energy to an apologetic of our Peace position is still further limited. One of the major continuing objectives of the Committee is to recognize those whom God may call to such particular service and to aid and encourage them in every way. In this connection it goes without saying that the Committee is happy to note the present intense interest in this phase of our Group witness here at Goshen and to which your Society is giving leadership. Your visions of a special Peace Section to the Goshen College Library, the encouragement your Society is bound to give these who go from here into Graduate fields to work into unexplored fields of Peace study are certainly in line with this objective. Might not the past generations astounding evolution in our group thinking and attitude on Missions with the consequent spiritual enrichment of our group life and witness and the Mennonite Clmreh's effectiveness as an Agent of God's Will in our day be a challenge of what might similarly be possible in the Day ahead in a fuller Witness to Light we have held for Centuries past on the method of Iove in Christian Living, but have held too much under a bushel, What objective could be challenging than this one? Much is said and written these days about the imminence of another World conflict. Indeed if World history teaches anything at all, we know that today's mad armament race and the feverish tenseness pervading present International relationships will inevitably bring War. All present trends indicate that in such event, Nations will conscript their man power and wealth to a fuller extent than ever hereteforee It is manifestly impossible to forsee the particular nature of the resultant test to the Non-resistant Christian--but there can be concern that in Peace time our witness as a people in our relationships witheach other and with others is consistently one of love and thus attest to the genuineness of our profession to the powers that be when the test comes and also that within us old and young, convictions develop that will enable loyalty to this faith--whatever test may come. This is also a major objective under Point 1. The situation first occasioning a Peace Problems Committee, namely the necessity for an officially formed organization to represent the church to Governement on occasions where our position as Non-resistant Christians is involved leads us to the second major objective in our three-point program. The Committee aims to keep in teach with pending legislation and practice and with trends in national thinking and attitude which threaten this liberty of conscience and on every possible consistently appropriate occasion to place before those in authority our position. In case of either of our countries becoming involved in War, our Commitee is charged with the responsibility of representing the interest and attitudes of our constituency to Government and to lead in finding and in having approved avenues of consistent loyal Christian citizenship, this when the unleashed passions of War and evil seem to have full sway. Maintaining readiness for such eventuality is then another objective. Let me further refer to Point three in program previously referred to: "To keep before other individuals, groups, denominations and associations who may be seeking more light along these lines, the gospel interpretations and implications of this doctrine." Here is where the Committee has so far attained least, and where the field is wellnigh limitless, The heart-hunger for ways of insuring peaceful living seems world-wide. We do and should thrill to genuine progress anywhere in grasping the truth of the way of LOVE and expecially so when this interest manifests itself in other christian groups. A stated object of our Committee is a readiness to share our experience in and interpretation of this truth with others. The Committee has used certain opportunities in this field of endeavor and is studying others. Our Committee has also recently approved same experiment in ways which may result in a stronger common emphasis and witness of our Peace position among the various Mennonite groups and the Mennonite Groups in a number of countries. Ways are also being explored through which the common scriptural 6 testimony of the Historic Peace Churches may be effectively made in a more united manner. Success in this would undoubtedly increase the respect of Government for the position taken and be of help to all of the several groups in time of test or in considering substitute service, and should strengthen our witness to other Christian groups who are anxious to find the way back to the position held in the early church. But you may ask, what program of War prevention has the Committee in mind? What definite concrete suggestions for our own young people who are impressed with the Peace Action and propaganda projects sponsered and encouraged by the several Peace organization? Why not cooperate more whole-heartedly with these apparently more concrete ways of Peace makers? Your speaker has prayed and thought much along these lines also. We need not judge the methods of others. However, my own present deep conviction is that inasmuch as our faith in the efficacy of the Love method for overcoming evil is integrally of our whole Christian faith we need to pray, think through and wait on Divine guidance for the opening of channels of witness, testimony and service. Our Master Peace's Prince has, it seems to me, given abundant evidence of His approval in the feeble beginnings made so far towards this fuller and wider witness. I am convinced that as we obediently and in faith move forward under His light He will guide into continually fuller knowledge of the truth and to a world-wide witness of life and testimony to it.  ...

... TO THE FRIENDS OF PEACE EVERYWHERE: The World War brought together in concentration camp, alternative service and relief effort those whose conception of discipleship included the confiction that the Christian can have no part in war or its support. This common experience is remembered by many, and is well known to all in the three histroci peace churches - the Mennonites, Brethren and Friends. Since the War it has become the growing conviction within these several groups that a more faithful testimony to the ways of peace, love and goodwill as exemplified and taught by our Lord is essential when our country is at peace, if we would have respect for our position in times of war crisis. The feeling that such testimony would result in a better understanding of our position by those in official life and have more influence with other Christian groups if it could be made unitedly, has led to a number of informal gatherings for the purpose of studying such possibilities. Such a meeting was held at Newton, Kansas, November 1 and 2, 1935. About eighty attended and took part in these discussions - most of whom were Friends, Brethren or Mennonites. The Newton meeting suggested a somewhat unofficial Continuation Committee of three--one each to be appointed by the Friends Service Committee, the Board of Christian Education of the Church of the Brethren, and the Mennonite Central Committee - who should arrange for the continuation of this common study by representatives of the various groups in the three denominations and call to each group's attention way in which our common testimony could be strengthened by united witness. The Committee has met several times and is at present particularly concerned about the body of available Christian peace literatyre, its further production when deemed necessary and its better distribution within our groups and to the outside world. The Committee is also studying the fields of service in wartime compatible with our common peace testimony through present-day peace-time relief and reconstruction service projects. To its meetings are invited individuals from the several groups who experience and connections qualify them to aid the meeting. The Committee plans to meet about once each quarter. The results of these studies and contacts are to be made available to the organizations within each group charged with the group's peace program. A sub-committee on peace literature is being set up to aid the Committee in this particular field. THE CONTINUATION COMMITTEE R. W. Balderston, Chairman Ray Keim, Secretary Orie O. MillerE. L. Frey, Chairman United States Section E. L. Frey Wauseon, O. Harold S. Bender Goshen, Ind. Orie O. Miller Akron, Pa. PEACE PROBLEMS COMMITTEE of the MENNONITE CHURCH Orie O. Miller, Secretary Canadian Section S. F. Coffman AKRON, PA. April 6, 1936. Edward Yoder Goshen College Goshen, Indiana Dear Brother: Thank you for the letter of the 2nd inst. Harold hat told me on my last visit to Goshen, something of your plans in regard to the coming Peace pamphlet. To my mind you have decided this right, adn look forward anxiously to seeing the manuscript copy referred to. if just as convenient to you, I'd suggest at least five copies of the manuscript so that all of our Peace Comnittee members can study it at the same time. This plan would expedite considerably, getting Committee's approval, and having the pamphlet distributed and printed. Sincerely, OOM:EM  ...

... Proposed Resolution "The Mennonite Nurses Association resolved to be of service to mankind in civil and wartime needs. We believe the teaching of Christ, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me," is relevant to our situations today We trust an alternative service-the above quoted teaching for persons claiming the Non-resistant position not to be associated with the military." This is affirmed by me. Many years ago we were urged to work toward this end by the former Harold S. Bender. The first President of Mennonite World Conference. I find you are able to state things clearly, so I think correspondence will be adequate. Depend ing on place and time, travel may be questionable for me. Everyone I have talked with, even correspond ence has been enthusiastic about the wonderful time at the annual meeting. Really regret I couldn't be there. I read just last nite [sic] that Mr. Striner ? is pushing the use of women in the war effort. So this proposal is most timely. Sincerely Mary Esther Bigler R.N. PROPOSED RESOLUTION "The Mennonite Nurses resolved to be of servce to mankind in civil and wartime needs. We believe the teaching of Christ, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethern, ye hve done it unto me," is relevant to our situation today. We trust an alternative service-the above quoted teaching for persons claiming the Non-resistant position not to be associated with the military." LaJunta Wed. A.M. 8/1/68 Dear Rachel; I am not sure if you are a "Miss" or "Mrs". so I shall simply call you by your first nsme. By the way, I am a "Mrs"- but it makes no difference to me, really, whether I get the title"Miss" since I have been a widow all these years and feel more like I am single. Your letter caught me between stops on my vacation. I finished my work here at LaJunta last Friday and since then I did a little gadding around in the mountains and came back here just to get my breath and repack my things and will be taking off again this afternoon for further west. I hope to get back to Hesston byt [sic] the last week in Aug. This LaJunta address is my sister s [sic] - so it will reach me eventually regardless of where I am. Now about the above resolution: We are back where we were in the early 40's when there was strong planning for the procurement and assigning of nurses. I recall that Verna Z. and I did some deliberating on this along with our Peace Problems Comm. Perhaps you recall reading that at that time all nurses were actually classified but peace was declared before it became necessary to actually draft or assign. I doubt that we need to call a meeting of the board I would find it difficult to find a time when I could attend any- although during that last week in Aug. I might have a few free days. But I would be in favor of doing this by correspondence . As I read through the above statement it seems the statement is incomplete. Perhaps it was not copied correctly. I do think a simple statement to the "powers-that-be" to the effect that as a Christian Org. we wish to be recognized as nurses who believe in peace-making rather than having anything to do with a destruction program. However, it seems best to word such a statement I would be in favor of your going ahead and formulating the actual wording of the same. When I get back to Hessten I shall hope to be a little more prompt in assisting with the necessary work that I should do. In re-reading the above I find my statements are not too clear or specific. Hope you get the message Sincerely- Maude S.  ...

... Report of the Committee on LEGAL COUNSEL FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS To the Annual Conference of 1936: The committee has met three times and serious consideration has been given to the tasks assigned. Studies are being made regarding: (1) compulsory military training in civil educational institutions,and (2) the legal status of conscientious objectors. The committee desires to make the following initial recommendations on the positions that our young people should take in the event of war 1. Types of services considered not consistent with the historical position of the church. 1. Chaplaincy in the army or navy, 2. Red Cross service if this organization is definitely committed to render active service under the military command in the event of war. 3. Hospital service if under military command. 4. Y. M. C. A. work if under military command. 5. The purchase of Liberty Bonds to finance the war, 6. The taking of excess profit from industry or farming or excess income from securities which a state of war produces except to build a fund for the furtherance of good will or to help support the families which suffer because of their conscientious objections to war. 7. The paying of Federal income tax, if used for military purposes, except under protest. 8. Services of any kind with the ranks of the army, all of which are without question under direct military II. Types of service considered consistent with the historical position of the church. 1. Constructive service under church on civilian direction, such as housing, road making, farming, forestry hospitalization, and recreational work. 2. Relief work under the church or civilian direction in and outside of the war zone, or in neutral zones, either as a denomination or in cooperation with the Friends and the Mennonites. III. Plan of action to meet war crises. 1. That as a denomination we present our historical position on war and peace in the form of memorials to the President of the United States, governors of states in which we have members located, and to such local officers who might by their position become members in the mobilization system. 2. That in local congregations the pastor or the minister in charge of tho congregation shall prepare those members subject to the military call to meet the war crises. PLAN OF ACTION TO MEET WAR CRISES 3. That in the event of war the congregation in connection with those with conscientious objections to war should meet at the church for prayer and future planning. 4. When any member of the group of those with conscientious objections to war is summoned to appear before the military authority that the pastor and this group go before the board before the appointed time of appearing and state the historic position of the church as to war, types of services in which they can conscientiously engage, and kindly inform the authorities that at the appointed time of appearing that this group will be at the church with the congregation in prayer.  ...