Religion Roundup
Soldier Denied Conscientious Objector Status Seeks Appeal
Associated Press
May 14, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A U.S. Army paratrooper wants a federal court to overturn the Army's decision denying him conscientious objector status.
Pfc. Michael Barnes, who now is stationed in Alaska, says his Christian faith became clear while he served in Iraq, and now prohibits him from waging war.
In paperwork filed with the court, Barnes says, "Serving Jesus is doing the opposite of participating in war. It is loving your enemy, avoiding conflict, being humble and living peacefully."
The Army not only denied Barnes' request for conscientious objector status but also rejected his petition to be honorably discharged, saying he failed to make a convincing case.
A federal magistrate could decide this week whether to let the case proceed to a civilian hearing.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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