Follow Africans’ example

The action of Mennonites in Burkina Faso to oppose the payment of war taxes was a courageous and hopeful act of Christian discipleship (“Burkina Faso Mennonite leaders oppose war tax,” July 7). I hope Mennonites in the United States will stand with our African sisters and brothers in this, especially since the U.S. military budget dwarfs that of the African nation. The Costs of War Project at Brown University says the U.S. has killed more than 3 million people in response to 3,000 deaths on 9/11 in New York City. It makes Lamech’s revenge (Genesis 4:23-24) look puny.  

We are invited to be conscientious objectors to war by donating refused war taxes to the Church Peace Tax Fund of Mennonite Church USA. Checks can be sent to MC USA, 718 N. Main St., Newton, KS 67114, designated for the Church Peace Tax Fund on the memo line. We may view it as just a symbol, but, like the early Christians’ refusal to offer the pinch of incense to Caesar, maybe an important one?

John K. Stoner, Akron, Pa.

Anabaptist World

Anabaptist World Inc. (AW) is an independent journalistic ministry serving the global Anabaptist movement. We seek to inform, inspire and Read More

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