1. The World Peace Tax Fund Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a taxpayer conscientiously opposed to participation in war could have that portion of her/his taxes equal to the military share of the federal budget designated for a special trust fund, which would finance specific non-military, peace-related activities (such as national peace academy of retraining of workers displaced by conversion of industry from weapons production). In 1984 the chief Senate sponsor is Mark Hatfield (R-OR) and the bill has some 50 House co-sponsors.

2. Traditional criteria say a war, to be justifiable, may be entered only (1) for a just cause (e.g., defense); (2) as a last resort; (3) upon declaration by lawful authority; (4) if there is reasonable prospect of achieving the just goals. Further, war to be justifiable may be prosecuted only (5) by means proportionate to the ends sought; (6) in ways that insure the immunity of non-combatants; (7) with promise of mercy to a vanquished enemy.

3. To “remain in ministry with” implies (1) no breaking of the fellowship of the faith community because of disagreement over particular acts of civil disobedience; (2) support through prayer, counsel, pastoral care, and acts of love on behalf of those who may be in violation of law; (3) no commitment on the part of the American Lutheran Church to provide financial or legal support for persons who engage in acts of civil disobedience.