In 2025, Pax Christi USA announced the Ben Salmon No Just War Registry for Conscientious Objectors. This registry was first conceived by members of Pax Christi New York State out of a deep concern for the possibility of another military draft — a concern that has become all the more urgent in light of recent federal legislation.
Through the generosity of a committed donor, Pax Christi USA is able to offer an annual scholarship program to support young Catholics who are currently enrolled in college. The Ben Salmon Registry Scholarship will provide $6,000 annually (2026-2028) for students who are registered in our Conscientious Objector registry and pursuing higher education.
Why this registry matters now more than ever
In March 2026, Pax Christi USA joined nearly 40 other organizations in opposing new federal efforts to activate a military draft. A provision buried in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes the Selective Service System to begin using automated involuntary registration, culling data from other federal databases to enroll individuals without their knowledge or consent. This law was enacted with no hearings, no debate, and no budget review, and is scheduled to take effect at the end of 2026.
The coalition, organized by the Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft, warns that this unprecedented expansion of draft registration eliminates one of the last barriers to unpopular wars and mandatory military service. The coalition is calling on Congress to repeal the entire Military Selective Service Act before the automated registration provision takes effect in December 2026.
It is also worth noting that May 15 is International Conscientious Objectors Day, a global recognition of those who refuse to bear arms on grounds of conscience — a tradition that stretches from Maximilian’s witness to Ben Salmon’s courageous stand during World War I.
Watch this 2020 video from DePaul University’s Center for World Catholicism & Intercultural Theology, with Mike Baxter discussing the life and significance of Ben Salmon.
A new scholarship to support Catholic peace witnesses
As noted above, thanks to a generous donor, Pax Christi USA is launching an annual scholarship program to support young Catholic college students who sign the conscientious objection registry. The Ben Salmon Registry Scholarship will provide $6,000 annually (2026-2028) for students who are registered in our Conscientious Objector registry.
Scholarship eligibility requires that recipients be:
- Registered as a Conscientious Objector through the Ben Salmon No Just War Registry
- Currently enrolled as a full-time student in an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program at an accredited, not-for-profit college or university (with preference given to Catholic institutions)
Funds may be used for tuition, books, student fees, or housing costs. Depending on the number of qualified applicants and demonstrated financial need, Pax Christi USA may award one $5,000 scholarship or distribute the annual funds as multiple smaller scholarships.
Application deadline: September 15
This program embodies Pax Christi USA’s commitment to equipping the next generation of Catholic peacemakers, not only in their conscience, but in their capacity to pursue education grounded in the Gospel of nonviolence.
How you can help
- Pray for us as we launch both the registry and scholarship program, as well as for all victims of war.
- Welcome friends into conversations about peacebuilding and learn more about the history of Catholic civil disobedience.
- Please share the news of this registry and scholarship opportunity widely—with your parish, within your communities, and especially with any young Catholics you know who are exploring their call to conscientious objection.
- Consider supporting additional scholarship funding. As more donors join this mission, Pax Christi USA can expand support for students committed to Gospel nonviolence.
Our hope is that this registry and scholarship will not only provide legal protection and financial support, but cultivate another seed in a growing network of solidarity.
To learn more about Pax Christi USA’s Conscientious Objector Registry Project or to register as a CO, use this link.
To apply for the scholarship, please use this link.
In gratitude for this scholarship program’s initial funding, Pax Christi USA thanks Joe Eisenhauer and other donors for their generous support of Catholic peacemakers. If you feel called to contribute to this fund, please contact Daniel Francis, Pax Christi USA’s Director of Development