What do Mennonites believe about participating in war?
A strong Mennonite belief is nonviolence or pacifism. Mennonites believe that violence is never the best answer to problems or conflict, and that Jesus taught us a better way than the way of fighting and wars. They try to take seriously Jesus’ words to love your enemy. For that reason, most Mennonites do not take part in war. During World War II, many Mennonites in the United States served in Civilian Public Service rather than participate in fighting. Some Mennonites chose to serve in non-combatant positions. Still others refused to register at all. Some Mennonites today choose not to pay the portion of their taxes that goes to maintaining the military. For a more in-depth look at the peace position visit the Peace Blend. Mennonites, Church of the Brethren and Quakers work together through Christian Peacemaker Teams to actively promote peace in many areas of the world. For a resource list of organizations and schools who also work for peace check out the Peace and Conflict Studies Int
