Mennonite Central Committee

Instructions for Completing the Conscientious Objector Registration

Conscientious Objection in Canada

1. Before you make a written statement, make sure that you have spent time in prayer, study and conversation with others. You are especially encouraged to talk with trusted persons in your congregation about the meaning of the questions before you write. See the Resources section for materials to help with this process.
2. Use the questions listed here to write your statement for the CO Registry. Type or write all your responses neatly and use as much space as you need. See the Sample Form.
   • Describe your beliefs about war and conscientious objection. Do these beliefs apply only to combatant military training and service or to all aspects of military training, service, and preparation for war?
   • Describe how and when you developed these beliefs. Your answer may include such influences as: family members or other persons, instruction that you received in your congregation, membership in organizations, personal experiences, and important books that you may have read.
   • Describe what most clearly shows that your beliefs are deeply held. You may wish to include a description of ways in which your beliefs affect your lifestyle, including your use of the earth’s resources, your time and talents.
3. Include letters of support from people who know you and your beliefs about conscientious objection. Include any previous things that you have written about peace, such as letters to the editor, essays, personal reflections, etc.
4. When you have completed your statement, make sure to include your signature, the date, and the signature of a witness (preferably your pastor, a mentor or close friend).
5. Make arrangements to have your statement and the supporting documents placed on file with your home congregation. Alternately, send it to MCC Canada Peace Ministries Program (134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9). Ask that the statement be stamped with the date it was received.
6. Keep a photocopy of your statement and any supporting items for your own records.
7. It is possible to add other documents and pieces of evidence that would strengthen what you have written at a later date. Youth between ages 16-18 are especially encouraged to add further thoughts and supporting documents to their file.