How to register as a conscientious objector

OK, here's what you have to do as a Free Methodist, to register with your church as a conscientious objector.

Pray. Always.

Fill out the "Affidavit of Conscientious Objection" in triplicate. There's a link on this web site you can print out.

Sign all three copies in front of a notary public. Your bank branch or a real estate office should have someone who can add their seal to each of the three. It doesn't usually cost, but there could be some nominal fee.

You must have some sort of official ID - like a driver's license or passport to prove who you are.
Send one copy to the Free Methodist conference where you attend. Here's our local Seattle office:

Matt Whitehead
Pacific NW Conference
3120 Third Avenue West
Seattle, Washington 98119

Second copy goes to the national headquarters:

Board of Bishops
Free Methodist Church
Attn: Janet Duncan
PO Box 535002
Indianapolis, IN 46253

And the third copy goes up on your wall -- keep it with your important papers.

FAQ

Question: "There isn't any draft. Why should I bother with this?"
Answer: Beat the rush. The church needs to hear from their minority voice.

Question: "I'm too old."
Answer: Say, what? Too old to have an opinion? Think it doesn't matter? Shame!

Question: "I'm a woman. They wouldn't ever draft me."
Answer: Doesn't matter. You should make your voice heard as well.

Question: "This is going to make some people upset."
Answer: The prophets always made someone mad. Is that a reason not to act, as a Christian?

Question: "Why do we have to go to this trouble. Isn't it enough to simply say that I'm against war?"
Answer: Filling out the form gives you legal proof that you object to war, which could be needed in future conflicts. Such proof was needed during Vietnam. Plus, filling out the form lets your local conference and the church know that there is an opinion out there which goes against the mainstream.