U.S. soldiers in Canada ask for support for their consciences

Published: 2005-03-18

TORONTO (CNS) -- U.S. soldiers living in Canada to avoid duty in Iraq are asking Canadians to help them stand by their consciences. "I believe it's my human right to choose not to kill innocent people," said Darrell Anderson, who served seven months in Iraq and was awarded a Purple Heart before he headed north from his Kentucky home while on leave. "I don't think anyone can understand what it's like to look down the barrel at a 14-year-old kid," said Iraq War veteran Cliff Cornell of Arkansas. "I would rather be up here than fighting. I think that's the right choice." Christian tradition should mandate church support for the war resisters who have applied for refugee status in Canada, said Gerard Vanderhaar, professor emeritus of religion and peace studies at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn.

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