Summary Information:
- Call Number: bMS 11098
- Title: Unitarian Universalist Association. Registry of Conscientious Objectors, 1939-1984.
- Repository: Harvard Divinity School Library, Harvard Divinity School, 45 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138-1911
- Quantity: 4 boxes (4 cubic feet)
Administrative Information:
- Acquisition Information: Donated by the Unitarian Universalist Association, 2002.
- Access: Material in this collection is restricted for 50 years from the date of creation. Consult the curator of manuscripts and archives for further information.
Historical Note:
The Registry of Conscientious Objectors was first created circa 1940 as a response to those concerned about participation in World War II. It was a joint effort between the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. The Unitarian Universalist Association carried on this practice, and many people have registered with the UUA as conscientious objectors. It is formally recognized by the Selective Service system, and most of those registered have been given conscientious objector exemption. The Registry is administered by the Office of the Executive Vice President.
Scope and Content Note:
The bulk of this collection consists of the files of individual people who have registered with the Unitarian Universalist Association as conscientious objectors, 1962-1984. The files are arranged alphabetically by last name, and each person's file contains verification of that person's affiliation with a Unitarian Universalist congregation, an individual statement about why that person wishes to file as a conscientious objector, and references from ministers and associates. The bulk of the correspondence contains copies of replies sent to each candidate from the executive vice president of the UUA. Raymond Hopkins held this post during the 1960s and 1970s, and much of the correspondence is from him. The collection also includes the Registry Book of Conscientious Objectors, 1962-1982 which lists the name and address of each person registered as a conscientious objector. Administrative correspondence and reports, 1939-1946; informational packets which were mailed to those inquiring about filing as conscientious objectors, 1960-1970; and files for individuals who started the application process but did not become registered as conscientious objectors are also in the collection.
For related collections, please see bMS 12145 and bMS 1098.
Container List:
- bMS 11098/1 (1) Registry Book of Conscientious Objectors, 1962-1982.
- bMS 11098/1 (2) Correspondence with conscientious objectors regarding objector process/status, 1939-1940.
- bMS 11098/1 (3) Correspondence with conscientious objectors regarding objector process/status, 1940-1941.
- bMS 11098/1 (4) Correspondence with conscientious objectors regarding objector process/status, 1941-1942.
- bMS 11098/1 (5) Correspondence with conscientious objectors regarding objector process/status, 1944-1945.
- bMS 11098/1 (6) Correspondence with conscientious objectors regarding objector process/status, 1945-1946.
- bMS 11098/1 (7) Report on the activities of the National Service Board for Religious Objectors, 1940-1941.
- bMS 11098/1 (8) Packet of materials on conscientious objection, Department of Social Responsibility, 1967-1968.
- bMS 11098/1 (9) Packet samples and informational materials on conscientious objection, 1943-1972.
- bMS 11098/1 (10-153) Files of registered conscientious objectors. A-E, 1962-1983.
- bMS 11098/2 (1-223) Files of registered conscientious objectors. E-M, 1962-1983
- bMS 11098/3 (1-226) Files of registered conscientious objectors. M-V, 1962-1984.
- bMS 11098/4 (1-64) Files of registered conscientious objectors. V-Z, 1962-1984.
- bMS 11098/4 (65-78) Correspondence with those who started the application process but did not become registered as conscientious objectors, 1965-1973.