Marcionite Church Military Exemption

In March of 2026, the Marcionite Church issued a statement condemning the war against Iran for a wide variety of moral and theological reasons.

In conjunction with that condemnation, the church has issued Religious Accommodation forms for its parishioners who are on active duty or are concerned about a military draft and want to formally request to opt out of this conflict.

To be eligible to use this form you must be a parishioner of the church (join) and have acquired a copy (free) of the first Christian bible of 144 AD (TheVeryFirstBible.org). In many cases, you will be questioned about the tenets of your faith during the religious accommodation review process and it's important you be familiar with general doctrine and dogma. In the event of complications, a Presbyter will be made available to assist you.

A verification page address to check your status as an exempted parishioner is printed on the form. It will be used by the CO reviewing your request (https://marcionitechurch.org/verify). After downloading the form and fulfilling the above requirements (joining the church and acquiring a copy of the bible) send an email with your name to:

outreach (at) marcionitechurch.org for registration. You will then receive confirmation of your request from the Marcionite Church.

Podcast walkthrough of the RA process and background theology (40 minutes):

https://rss.com/podcasts/marcionite-church/2680639/

FAQ:

Is this a Conscientious Objector form?

No.

1. Our Church’s Position on War

As stated in our recent public statement, the Marcionite Church does not teach absolute pacifism. We recognize:

• Defensive homeland war - fighting on one’s own land to protect the innocent - may be permissible. The Apostolikon acknowledges that governing authorities may bear the sword for the punishment of evil within their own jurisdiction (Romans 11:1–4).
• Offensive overseas wars - especially those officially consecrated in the name of “God” (Yahweh) - are forbidden. To participate in such a war is to engage in an act of false worship, returning to the “elements of the cosmos” (Galatians 4:1-6).

Thus, our opposition is not to all war without distinction; it is to a specific class of wars (those blessed by Yahweh, particularly offensive overseas conflicts).

2. What U.S. Law Requires for Conscientious Objector Status

Under the Military Selective Service Act and longstanding Supreme Court precedent (Gillette v. United States, 1971), a person qualifies as a conscientious objector (1‑O classification) only if they are opposed to “participation in war in any form.”

• A person who objects only to a particular war (e.g., the Iran war) or only to unjust wars does not qualify for CO status.
• A claim for CO status must be based on sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs that forbid all war.

3. Why the Church Cannot Support CO Claims

Because our church permits defensive homeland war, any parishioner who claims to be opposed to war in any form would be making a statement inconsistent with our doctrine. Such a claim could be:

• Legally problematic: If discovered, the member’s sincerity could be challenged, leading to denial of the claim, administrative action, or even charges of fraud.
• Theologically inconsistent: It would misrepresent our faith, which distinguishes between permissible and forbidden wars.

Therefore, the Marcionite Church will not assist members in filing claims for conscientious objector (1‑O) status. We advise members not to pursue this avenue, as it does not reflect our actual teachings.

4. The Proper Avenue: Religious Accommodation Under RFRA

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb et seq., prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion unless it uses the least restrictive means to further a compelling governmental interest.

A RFRA-based religious accommodation request is the appropriate tool for members who are:

• Already serving in the military and face orders related to the Iran war (or any similar war officially consecrated in the name of Yahweh).
• Ordered to report for induction (if a draft is reinstated).

Such a request does not require opposition to all wars. Instead, it argues that participation in this particular war - given the government’s own religious framing - would compel the member to engage in an act of false worship, in violation of their sincerely held religious beliefs. The church has prepared templates for these requests, along with a supporting letter attesting to membership and doctrine. These materials are available to members in good standing.

5. Next Steps for Parishioners

• If you are a service member facing orders related to the Iran war, or a registrant facing induction, do not file a CO claim.
• Instead, request a religious accommodation under RFRA using the templates provided by the church. Contact church leadership for assistance and a supporting letter.
• If you have questions about your specific situation, consult with a military defense counsel or a civilian attorney experienced in religious accommodation law.

The Marcionite Church stands with its members in bearing witness to the Good Father, refusing to bow to the deity who blesses war. We will support you in the appropriate legal and spiritual paths that honor our faith.

Does the form or registration cost money?

No.

But you can donate to help the church defray underlying costs of the religious accommodation program when downloading the form. The price is set to zero by default.