1917 CGCM Conference
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Convened at the Lone Tree Church, Galva, Kansas October 29-November 3, 1917
Moderator F. C. Fricke
1. Wartime Food Pledges
Concerning the question of subscribing for Food Pledges, it was resolved that we cannot pledge ourselves by subscription to support the war in this manner, for we cannot have any part in war, since the Savior says: "My kingdom is not of this world," etc. John 18:36). However, we pledge ourselves to live economically, as also the Savior says, "Gather up the fragments" John 6:12).
2. Nonresistance
The question whether young men, who are found to be bodily able for military service by the local boards, may go to the military camps was considered. Since Secretary of War Baker has given the promise that none of our brethren would be compelled to do any service that may be contrary to their faith or conscience, it was resolved that they should go to the camp and there before the military authorities bear witness to the principle of nonresistance. (Refer to Art. 10, 1983 Conference.)
3. Wartime Service
May we permit our brethren who are now in the Detention Camps to do work of any kind? We believe that all work in the camps is under military organization; but since the officers insist that they have work that is not of a military nature, we have decided to appoint a committee consisting of five brethren to investigate and decide concerning this matter.
4. Wages for CO's
May brethren accept wages or compensation for the loss of their time in the camps? Since the camps are recognized as being of military nature, and we cannot have part in it, therefore we should not accept wages. We as a church pledge ourselves, however, to support our brethren to the full extent, especially those who have left families behind. Among them are also included sons of church members, provided they for conscientious reasons refuse to do military service.
5. Liberty Loans
Is it permitted to take part in the Liberty Loan?
Unanimously decided that we take no part in it, for the reason that this loan is for war purposes, and the apostle says, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal" (2 Cor. 10:4). (Refer to Art. 20, 1956 Conference.)
6. Baptism in Time of War
Since it is said that the government does not grant the so-called religious iberty to men who were not members of an organized church before May 18, 1917, the question arises what advice should be given such; if they are converted, should they be baptized?
Resolved, That since baptism is a commandment of God's Word, and since the Lord Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, no one should for any reason hesitate to be baptized and all should be minded to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 4: 19; 5:29). "Go ye into all the world" (Mark 16:15-16). The martyr brethren also are an example to us on this point.
7. Red Cross Contributions
May we give to the Red Cross the contributions that are given for those who are in need? Resolved, That under present conditions we cannot with a good conscience entrust or give such contributions to the Red Cross, since it is too much involved in the war. A committee is to be appointed which is to find ways and means to use such contributions, keeping in mind we should give liberally for the support of widows, orphans, and others who are suffering. (Later the Red Cross made a provision that our funds shall be used for the reconstruction work in France and war-ridden countries, and other such purposes as we may direct. Under this allowance we are willing to contribute.)
8. War Problems Committee
Resolved, That we appoint a committee consisting of five brethren:
for the Eastern District, Ministers F. C. Fricke, Ithaca, Michigan; and
Hiram Mininger, Wauseon, Ohio; for the Western District, Ministers
Jacob Dirks, Halstead, Kansas; D. B. Holdeman, Hesston, Kansas; and Abr. Ensz, Inman, Kansas.
This committee shall especially consider it their duty to take steps toward the support of such brethren and sisters whose brothers or sons are drafted, to assist and support those who are drafted, to be of service to their families, and to give their attention to the work mentioned in Articles 5 and 7.
9. Review of Conference Articles
The Conference articles of November 3-26, 1896, and November 2227, 1909, both Conferences held in the Lone Tree Meeting House near Galva, Kansas, were read, and it was resolved to let them stand unchanged except Art. 13 of 1896 Conference, to which a new article shall be added for the purpose of setting forth more clearly our nonresistant position. (Later this additional article appeared in the Messenger of Truth, No. 18, of December 1,1917, under the title "Our Attitude.") The article follows in full:
Our Attitude
Under the present live war question, since certain nonresistant denominations have tendered noncombatant service, we feel the need to explain our past and present views regarding this question more thoroughly. That the followers of the Savior should not resist evil nor defend themselves with carnal weapons the Savior distinctly taught when He says, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my 'kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should ot be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" John 18:36). And in His Sermon on the Mount, He says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).
Some will have us understand this is just and right, but in case we are sorely pressed and the authorities require us to help defend the nation that we should then obey them and the above which the Savior said only has reference in case of self-defense. To those we reply and say, that the Jews to whom the Savior was also speaking and teaching understood Him as we do when they said, "What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on Him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation" John 11:47-48). Here we see that the Jews feared that if they would let the Savior teach His doctrine and all men finally would believe Him and become defense less, the Romans would simply come and take their place (homes) and not only this, but even their nation. Therefore, when we want to be real followers of our Savior, we need to obey His teachings. ßThe Savior proved His teachings also by His actions. When the soldiers were sent to take Him He did not at all resist. Not that He was if. lack of power, for He says, "I could ask my Father to send more than twelve legions of angels, but how would my Father's will be fulfilled?' So we might do as the authorities request us to, when they want us to take carnal weapons, but how would our Father's will be fulfilled?
Therefore, that the Savior might fulfill His Father's will, He did not use the power He had to resist; but He let them take Him and He suffered, yes, suffered even unto death. So we should do when the world would force us to that which the Word of God forbids. We should be ready to suffer even unto death.
When His disciples lacked the proper understanding, that is, when Peter was overtaken that he became so hasty that he drew out his sword and cut the High Priest's servant's ear off, the Savior says, "Put the sword in its sheath," etc. And when they wanted to let fire come down from heaven as Elias did, He says, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." He did not want them to use any such power. And the apostle Paul, a convert after the Savior had ascended unto heaven, says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal" (2 Cor. 10:4).
This has been the teaching and practice of our forefathers, as we read of during the age of persecution when thousands were martyred because of their nonresistant principles, suffering for their faith in their Savior. Read Martyrs' Mirror, Mirror of Truth, and Magistracy and War~wherein the Savior's teachings are thoroughly explained. But under the present crisis, the noncombatant question arises, whereby we are told that we can do so much good for the sick, wounded, and suffering ones if we would go along to do hospital service, which is termed noncombatant service. We have considered this from every angle, and feel that we thereby, indirectly, become responsible for the shedding of blood. We say it is forbidden in God's Word to take arms to shed blood. God's Word and the laws of the country forbid to rob and steal, but suppose we do not actually rob or steal, yet go along to take care of those who do steal, who thereby become wounded and sick, are we not indirectly responsible for stealing?
Bro. John Holdeman writes, "There are some who allow to attend the sick and wounded, and to build bridges and fortifications, and whatever is necessary to the service of war; they refuse to bear deadly weapons and to shed blood. But they do not consider the matter properly. To be kind to the sick and wounded is our duty when we can do this as an act of love and not as a soldier, etc." Read Magistracy and War, pp. 71-73.
The apostle Paul says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." Our principles are opposed to war in any form through the teachings of our Savior and the gospel; therefore it is inconsistent to be under the military arm to do good unto the sick, wounded, and suffering.
It is the very nature of our Savior and the gospel to be kind to the sick, wounded, and suffering; consequently this same nature will be in all His children, for they are born of Him. Therefore we teach to do as the Good Samaritan did, and do as the apostle says, "Let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Eph. 4:28).
It is our duty to be diligent and economical to assist the needy and to spread the gospel, etc., but this should be separate from the military arm. It is a Christian duty to share with the afflicted and suffering and to help bear their burdens. When we are liberal with our financial means, doing all in our power to help relieve the suffering, we manifest the nature and spirit of Christ. The apostle says, "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
We advise all to be kind and respectful to the authorities and to be submissive in every respect which does not conflict with the nature and love of Christ, who, with His disciples took no part in the arm of force and violence. May the Father grant each one wisdom to know what to do in every respect, and power to fulfill the same. (Refer to Art. 10, 1983 Conference.)
10. Standing for Prayer
Do we approve of standing for prayer in singing schools and Sunday schools? Since the Savior says, "When ye stand praying," we may not forbid it, but we fear that it may become a "more convenient" practice, and kneeling as a sign of true humility may be more neglected. Therefore we advise to kneel wherever suitable.
11. Divine Healing
Should praying over the sick, laying on of hands, and anointing be practiced? Since the Word says, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him," etc. Games 5:14), and the Savior says, "They shall lay hands on the sick," etc. (Mark 16: 18); therefore we believe it right to practice this in the fear of God and by the direction of the Holy Spirit. Earnest care is to be taken against the impure and extreme practices that are so common among so-called Christians. (Refer to Art. 7, 1950 Conference.)
12. Photography
May it be permitted to have one's likeness taken?
Since God's commandment forbids it expressly (Exod. 20:4; Deut.
5:8), we cannot permit it. (Refer to Art. 14, 1956 Conference: Art. 15, 1967 Conference.)
13. Administrator or Guardian
May it be permitted to be an administrator or guardian?
It is permitted on the condition that good care be taken against
violation of the principle of nonresistance.
14. Working on Sunday
May it be permitted to do field work on Sunday?
Resolved, That for the sake of order we observe a day of rest and
according to the Word of God to "give none offence, neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God." (Refer to Art. 3, 1959 Conference.)
15. Membership Recommendations
Resolved, That if marriages are to take place where one is from a distant congregation or family, such a one should bring proof of his or her church standing. This is also to apply in similar cases when application is made for admittance to church membership from one local congregation to another.
16. Rule for Solemnizing Marriages and Receiving Excommunicants
It was decided that the act of receiving excommunicants and of solemnizing marriages is to be carried out according to a more unified rule. The expelled excommunicant to be reaccepted as follows: The officiating minister shall lay his hands on the applicant's head while he kneels and the minister prays the blessing and then extends the right hand of fellowship and the greeting of the holy kiss. Those to be joined in marriage, after proper questions are answered, shall join hands, upon which the officiating minister places his hands on theirs and prays the blessing upon them.
17. Bishops or Elders
A. The long-felt need was again considered that more bishops or elders should be chosen by the Church and ordained to their office by the laying on of hands, where the gifts for this calling are in evidence among the ministers. (Refer to Art. 4, 1933 Conference; Art. 2, 1939 Conference.)
B. Ministerial gifts encouraged: Since the churches in general greatly need younger men for ministers, it is very necessary that young brethren who have the gifts for this calling should be encouraged to exercise their gifts and as soon as circumstances may permit, to choose and ordain them to the office, for the "harvest truly is plenteous but the labourers are few" (Matt. 9:37-38; Luke 10:2; John 4:35).
Bishops, Ministers, and Deacons Present
BISHOPS F. C. Fricke, T. A. Unruh.
MINISTERS Hiram Mininger, C. L. Gearig, Aug. Peters, C. Buerge, J. D. Dueck, B. P. Becker, Peter A. Unruh, D. B. Holdeman, Jak. Dirks, Abr. G. Ensz, C. Holdeman, Peter A. Friesen, John A. Koehn, Sam Koehn, Jak. Unruh, Jac. T. Wiebe, Sam Boese, Cor. Wohlgemuth, Gerh. Goossen, Peter Baerg, Isaac Mastre.
DEACONS
D. Diller, Fr. Peters, J. Schmidt, J. B. Toews, Abr. Eck, Benj. H. Koehn, Joh. Johnson, Benj. T. Koehn, P. P. Penner, Tab. P. Unruh.
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