Military service permitted; historic peace church minority; just war predominant
The Church of the Nazarene permits military service and does not require pacifism as a condition of membership or ministry. The denomination operates broadly within the just war tradition and has recognized military chaplaincy as a legitimate ministerial role. Many Nazarene members and ministers have served in the military without any tension with their denominational standing.
At the same time, the Holiness Movement and the Nazarene tradition have historical connections to Quaker and peace church influences, and there has been a minority pacifist stream within Nazarene life. The denomination's Covenant of Christian Conduct has historically encouraged members who are conscientiously opposed to military service to be recognized as conscientious objectors, while not imposing this position on the whole denomination.
The Nazarene Manual does not formally adopt a pacifist position, and the majority of Nazarene members and leaders support the legitimacy of just military service. The denomination's Global Ministry Center has programs supporting Nazarene servicemembers and their families.
Key Distinctions
- Official stance:
- permitted and honourable — military service is a legitimate vocation
- Theological basis:
- government ordained by God (Romans 13); defence of the innocent is an expression of love
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Nazarene Manual, Covenant of Christian Conduct; Nazarene peace position statements