Obligation of Conscience

When this article appeared, Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen of Seattle had become a firm voice for peace in the church (see "Converting to Peace" in the January Sojourners). In June, 1981, he asked those in his archdiocese to consider withholding half their income tax in protest of the amount of revenue spent on nuclear arms. Then in January 1982 he became the first U. S. bishop to publicly resist paying federal income taxes in response to the government's military policies. He explained the reasons for his action in a pastoral letter to his people. The text follows.
--The Editors

As you all know, I have spoken out against the participation of our country in the nuclear arms race because I believe that such participation leads to incalculable harm. Not only does it take us along the path toward nuclear destruction, but it also diverts immense resources from helping the needy. As Vatican II put it, "The arms race is one of the greatest curses on the human race and the harm it inflicts on the poor is more than can be endured."

I believe that as Christians imbued with the spirit of peacemaking expressed by the Lord in the Sermon on the Mount, we must find ways to make known our objections to the present concentration on further nuclear arms buildup. Accordingly, after much prayer, thought, and personal struggle, I have decided to withhold 50 per cent of my income taxes as a means of protesting our nation's continuing involvement in the race for nuclear arms supremacy.

I am aware that this action will provoke a variety of responses. Many will agree with me and support me as they have done in the past. Other conscientious people will be puzzled, uncomprehending, resentful, and even angry. For the sake of all, I shall clarify what I am attempting and not attempting to do by my tax-withholding action. I do so in the prayerful hope that all continue to discuss this nuclear arms issue in a spirit of mutual openness and charity. How ironic if we as Christians were to discuss this issue of disarmament for peace in a warlike fashion.

I am not attempting to say that there is but one way of dealing with the problem of the arms race and the nuclear holocaust toward which it leads. I recognize the need for a number of different strategies for the promotion of arms reduction. Accordingly, I welcome the diverse efforts of many individuals and groups, including the efforts of some of my fellow bishops, to call attention to the seriousness of this matter and to suggest practical ways of acting with regard to it.

I am not attempting to divide the Christian community. I pray that because of our openness and respect for one another, we can grow together by our concentration on the goal of world peace and the eventual elimination of nuclear arms despite our disagreements over the best way to achieve such goals.

I am not suggesting that all who agree with my peace and disarmament views should imitate my action of income tax withholding. I recognize that some who agree with me in their hearts find it practically impossible to run the risk of withholding taxes because of their obligations to those personally dependent upon them. Moreover, I see little value in imitating what I am doing simply because I am doing it. I prefer that each individual come to his or her own decision on what should be done to meet the nuclear arms challenge.

I am not pointing a finger of accusation at those who disagree with what I plan to do. I would hope, however, that such persons will respect those whose views differ from theirs. No one has answers that are absolutely certain in such complex matters. I am suggesting that we must maintain a continuing and open dialogue.

I am not attacking my country. I love my country. As I said in a previous pastoral letter on this subject (July 2, 1981):

It is true that as a general rule the laws of the state must be obeyed. However, we may peacefully disobey certain laws under serious conditions. There may even be times when disobedience may be an obligation of conscience. Most adults have lived through times and situations where this would apply.

Thus, Christians of the first three centuries disobeyed the laws of the Roman Empire and often went to their deaths because of their stands. They were within their rights. Similarly, in order to call attention to certain injustices, persons like Martin Luther King engaged in demonstrations that broke the laws of the state. The point is that civil law is not an absolute. It is not a god that must be obeyed under any and all conditions. In certain cases where issues of great moral import are at stake, disobedience to a law in a peaceful manner and accompanied by certain safeguards that help preserve respect for the institution of law is not only allowed but may be, as I have said, an obligation of conscience.

I am not encouraging those who wish to avoid paying taxes to use my action as a justification for their own personal gain. I plan to deposit what I withhold in a fund to be used for charitable peaceful purposes. There comes to mind the needs of those workers who will require assistance should they decide to leave their nuclear-war related jobs, the bona fide peace movements, the Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolutions, or programs for the aid of pregnant women who have chosen not to terminate their pregnancies by abortion.

I am saying by my action that in conscience I cannot support or acquiesce in a nuclear arms buildup which I consider a grave moral evil.

I am saying that I see no possible justification for the willingness to employ nuclear weapons capable of destroying humanity as we know it.

I am saying that everyone should think profoundly and pray deeply over the issue of nuclear armaments. My words and my action of tax withholding are meant to awaken those who have come to accept without thinking the continuation of the arms race, to stir even those who disagree with me to find a better path than the one we now follow, to encourage all to put in first place not the production of arms but the production of peace.

I urge all of you to pray and to fast, to study and to discuss, and then to decide what you shall do to combat the evil of the nuclear arms race.

I cannot make your decision for you. I can and do challenge you to make a decision.

May God be with you: his joy, his peace, his love.