Military Service

The C&MA affirms that Christians may serve in the military and that military service is a legitimate occupation for believers. The C&MA does not teach pacifism as a binding obligation for all Christians. Rather, the denomination affirms just war doctrine: warfare may be justifiable when it is fought to protect innocents, defend one's nation, or pursue justice. Killing in a just war is not murder and does not violate the commandment not to kill.

The C&MA recognizes that the state has legitimate authority to raise armed forces for legitimate purposes, and that Christian citizens may participate in this civic responsibility. Military service is understood as one way believers can exercise their calling to serve their communities and nations. Many C&MA members and ministers have served in various armed forces, and the denomination has historically supported this participation.

At the same time, the C&MA respects individual conscience on these matters. Some individual believers may hold pacifist convictions or may object to specific wars, and the denomination does not impose uniformity of opinion. However, the official position is that military service is morally permissible and not incompatible with Christian faith. The denomination does not require or encourage pacifism, though some C&MA members may personally embrace pacifist positions.