International Conscientious Objector's Day and Maximilian of Tebessa

From Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals:

On May 15 each year, many -people gather for International Conscientious Objector’s Day, holding vigils, protests, seminars, and campaigns to draw attention to conscientious objection. A conscientious objector is someone who refuses to serve in the armed forces or to bear arms in a military conflict. This refusal is based on moral or religious beliefs. It is also noteworthy that May 15 is celebrated as Israel’s independence day and lamented by Palestinians as “Al Nakba,” meaning “the day of catastrophe.” We remember on this day the conflict in the Middle East. And we also celebrate conscientious objectors known as the Israeli Refuseniks.

Fourth-century martyr Maximilian said, “I cannot enlist, for I am a Christian. I cannot serve, I cannot do evil. You can cut off my head, but I will not be a soldier of this world, for I am a soldier of Christ.”

Amen, amen.

Claiborne, S., Okoro, E., Wilson-Hartgrove, J. (2010). Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.