*3.9. Finding 9*

Despite the fact that some Christian conscientious objectors applicants were clear in their statement to the court that their conscientious beliefs were based on the teachings of Jesus and the bible, their application was dismissed, and often also dismissed on appeal.

Gavin Goudie of Moama, NSW was aged twenty and a welder by trade. He told the magistrate he had applied for full exemption from military duties based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. He could not convince Magistrate Murray of the Court of Petty Sessions in Melbourne of the sincerity of his conscientious views. His application was dismissed 30 May 1968. The Minister's legal counsel attacked Gavin verbally and called him selfish. Gavin made a second application and was granted a full exemption (Peacemaker 1968b, p. 3; 1968d, p. 3; 1970a, p. 3).

Appearing before a court was formidable for these young men. Often the magistrate and the state's legal counsel were hostile to conscientious objection and sometimes to Christianity itself.

#### *3.10. Finding 10*

Christian conscientious objectors were opposed to all war or a particular war, but many were opposed to conscription itself. It was viewed as unconscionable. This was something strongly shared with other objectors.

Sometimes Christian objectors to conscription expressed their opposition to it in terms of their Christian faith citing violation of their Christian freedom as they only answered to God. Also, secular life (the military) was seen as ungodly. This view was common amongst Jehovah's Witnesses and Brethren, but not only them.

Roy Scott, aged twenty-three years was a Jehovah's Witnesses from Gordon Park, Queensland (Peacemaker 1968b, p. 3). Magistrate Martin granted him full exemption from military service on 3 April 1968. This came after he had an application refused, and had

been committed to the army. In terms of his faith tradition he stated, "He had refused to answer to the term 'private' and to wear an army uniform, and had been jailed by the Army for refusing to co-operate". He further stated that "he would not bear arms or indulge in violence and his sect was opposed to violence or participation by members in any other organization". In other words, he belonged exclusively to the faith community of Jehovah's Witnesses who only answered (took orders) from God.
