May 15 2014 event
There are believed to have been some 20,000 conscientious objectors in the First World War. Information about their lives and their experiences of resisting coercion by the state is fragmentary. In their struggle lie the origins of today’s non-violent movement. In this centenary anniversary of World War One we should make every effort to foreground their struggle against war while also remembering those who continue to resist military conscription around the world. While many states have given up compulsory conscription it can easily make a comeback in Europe as in Ukraine today.

In arranging the 2014 event the First World War Peace Forum invited families of British World War One COs to join us on May 15 and share the stories of their relatives. Some of these stories are included in the updated programme of the event.

If you have stories to share and would like your relative to be remembered in a forthcoming CO commemorative project let us know.

Sam Walton Quaker Peace and Social Witness. Commemorative Brochure

May 15 2014 videos: Sam Walton | Christine Schweitzer | Lord John Maxton

First World War Peace Forum: Conscience, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Network for Peace, Pax Christi, Peace News, Peace Pledge Union, Quaker Peace and Social Witness, Right to Refuse to Kill group, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

NEWS
RESEARCH
EDUCATION

May 15 2014 Tavistock Square London