“No one has to kill innocent people.” Conscientious objection information and scholarship opportunities

“No one has to kill innocent people.” Conscientious objection information and scholarship opportunities

Serve by learning and sharing information with others. “No one has to kill innocent people.”  If you question the legitimacy of current warfare and do not believe you should be a part of killing innocent people, then learn more about conscientious objection. 

Your position may be because of humane beliefs, Christian beliefs, or specifically Catholic beliefs.  The military draft system in the US which was used during the Vietnam war may start again in the fall of 2026. A good source of information is the Center for Christian Nonviolence founded by Fr. Emmanuel Charles McCarthy.

Through the generosity of our donors, the Catholic group Pax Christi USA offers the Ben Salmon Registry Scholarship — up to $6,000 annually (2026–2028) — for CO registrants currently pursuing higher education at an accredited, not-for-profit college or university. You can simply be on the registry (and submit that immediately) or you can enroll for the registry and apply to get the scholarship.

For college students ready to take a principled stand, Pax Christi USA is offering a scholarship for those who sign the Ben Salmon No Just War Conscientious Objectors Registry, honoring the legacy of a man who refused to participate in war at great personal cost. These are not just programs; they are invitations to a lifetime of courageous peacemaking.

If you apply for the scholarship, see a preview of the questions that you will be asked.

Would you like to read, see films, and/or have discussions about refusing to kill? Contact Sr. Martha Ann Kirk as a start  kirk@uiwtx.edu   phone 210-883-5934.  

Start learning about others:

Pax Christi Austria Remembers Franz Jägerstätter - PAX Christi International  He refused to kill Jews for Hitler. UIW library has films and text on him.

About us - PAX Christi International  Germans and French started asking why are we killing each other. 

Ben Salmon conscientiously objected to World War 1 and all war in opposition to
the majority of US citizens, the US Government, and his own Roman Catholic Church.
Ben's conscience earned him lengthy imprisonment, solitary confinement and broken health. One hundred years ago, he wrote extensively on Christ's command: "Thou shalt not kill." His life, work and witness are chronicled on this site. Home

Consider a 40-Day Summer Retreat for Teens on Gospel Nonviolence in which you will study The Hunger Games and the traditions of the Church through Fr. McCarthy's materials.  Fr. Emmanuel Charles McCarthy founded the Center for Christian Nonviolence.

Again if you would like for us or organize discussions about this serious step? Contact Sr. Martha Ann Kirk as a start  kirk@uiwtx.edu   phone 210-883-5934.