ABOUT US
Our History
MSC ‘roots’ go back to WW1 when the South London ecclesia formed the ‘London Standing Committee’ in November 1915. On 24 January 1916 the Military Service Act came into law making conscription into the forces compulsory for all single men between the ages of 18 and 41 (extended later to married men and the upper age to 51). The London Standing Committee provided support and advice to brethren in their quest to secure exemption from ‘all forms of military service’ as ‘genuine conscientious objectors’. Once the Great War was over, the London Standing Committee was disbanded.
In 1935, in the middle of the decade when there were ominous political developments in Europe and notably in Germany, the MSC was formally established with committee members drawn from ecclesias throughout the UK. In 1939, compulsory conscription was again introduced in Britain and the MSC offered guidance to brethren both seeking exemption during WW2 and also afterwards throughout the period of mandatory National Service in the UK which came to an end in 1960.
In a future time of international crisis, the spectre of compulsory military service may, in some form, return and, consequently, there is a need to be constantly vigilant. Currently, however, the MSC in its continuing role as ‘an advisory committee on matters of conscience concerning the State’ is focused on the challenges all brethren and sisters in the UK face in daily living and employment. These challenges largely arise from the increasingly, litigious, humanistic and godless western culture in which our lives as ‘strangers and exiles’ are placed.
WORKSHOPS & ADVICE
What We Do
Members of the committee offer individual workshops or talks to ecclesias who may wish to explore a specific issue in depth or, alternatively, would like a general session concerning MSC’s work.
We also offer specific advice to an individual brother or sister facing challenging issues. Perhaps it is a jury service summons or maybe a workplace directive where a conscience issue arises in relation to a legal directive resulting in a stressful situation for the believer.
We will be delighted to help and, of course, all individual approaches are kept entirely confidential: please contact a member of the committee.
KEEPING APPRISED
What We Do
We keep a close watching brief on legislation planned or actually passed into law that might affect our freedom of conscience both in following the principles of God’s word and as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ whether as individuals or as an ecclesia.
For example, the Equality Act (2010) or the Marriage (Same Sex couples) Act 2013 has had a profound effect on society and present challenges to us as a community of believers.
Guidance Notes
What We Do
From time to time and for the benefit of our community, MSC produces ‘Guidance’ notes on various practical topics. Examples include notes on Jury Service, Same Sex Marriage, and Human Rights Legislation. Copies are freely available from the committee.