A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

First World War Although Canada entered the war on the side of Great Britain in 1914, conscription was not introduced until 1917. The Military Service Act of 1917 contained a so-called "conscience clause" which exempted any member of a recognized peace church "who conscientiously objects to the undertaking of combatant service." 42 It will be observed at once, that this Act did not exempt from all military service, but from combatant service only. Consequently, a double standard prevailed 354 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH during World War I in the treatment of conscientious objectors: The descendants of the Russian Mennonites were exempted from all service by the Order-in-Council of 1873; the Mennonites of Ontario and mem- bers of other historic peace churches were subject to the provisions of the Act of 1917. Since most of the latter lived in rural areas, following agricultural pursuits, they were often granted exemption because of their being employed in an essential industry. There were a few, however, who were ordered by local tribunals to perform noncombatant service in the army, and upon refusal to comply, were given prison sentences of varying length. The Mennonite Brethren in Canada during World War I were all covered by the Order-in-Council of 1873 and thus were not affected directly by the world conflict. However, they supported Red Cross and other relief agencies. The issue of nonresistance apparently never came up for discussion on the conference floor. With respect to government war bonds, local congregations permitted their members to purchase them with the proviso that the government be informed that the funds thus raised should be used for the purchase of foodstuffs." In the 1930's the Mennonite Brethren became actively concerned about the preservation and propagation of the principles of peace and nonresistance. One could cite two main reasons for this renewed interest in the subject. The new leadership of the M.B. Church in Canada was composed largely of brethren who had experienced the horrors of war and revolution. They also remembered all too well the Selbstschutz in which the principle of nonresistance had been violated — mainly as a result of inadequate teaching in the churches. The other reason for renewed concern can be found in the world situation, especially in the rise of military dictatorships in Europe. The resolution of 1934 (the first on this issue ever to be presented to the Canadian Conference) significantly begins thus: "The Conference is cognizant of the serious situation in the world, which suddenly can be plunged into war — the greatest misery of mankind." 44 A Committee on Military Problems was also elected in 1934, to provide leadership in this area of brotherhood concern. By 1936 the war-clouds gathering over Europe prompted the leadership of the M.B. Church to come before the conference with definite proposals for alternative service in