Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2005

In the  historical tradition of Quakers, and  its commitment to a testimony of peace , reconciliation and nonviolence, the Midcoast Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends  wishes to inform the residents of Maine that it continues to offer a safe depository for any formal statements of conscience expressing individual opposition to the participation in war. Persons wishing to file such statements should send them by registered mail to:

                                          Midcoast Friends Meeting


                                           P.O. Box 717


                                           Damariscotta Maine



 

It is expected that this service will be of value primarily to individuals who, for whatever reason, may wish to document their claim to status as conscientious objectors to war. This  is of particular value to persons who are vulnerable to conscription for military service. The  Midcoast Meeting of Friends, having offered this service for many years, is led to reissue this invitation because of the political possibility of a renewal of the draft in the near future, the present efforts to establish war as a permanent institution within U.S society, and an ongoing movement toward the militarization of American culture.

Those who wish to talk about the decision to make a formal statement are invited to contact the Midcoast Meeting of Friends at  207- 563-3757.
                                  
                                                Gretchen Noyes-Hull
                                                  for the Midcoast Monthly Meeting,  Jean Crawford, clerk