The World - News from Aug. 16, 1988

South African church leaders endorsed a stand by 143 young white men who have refused compulsory army service. The 143 announced earlier this month that they would not report for their two-year initial training or for follow-up service totaling 24 months over 12 years because they regard the armed forces as an instrument of unjust racial policies. The 32 bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference said the inductees’ stand is “a clear sign of a growing awareness” of injustices. At the same time, the South African Council of Churches urged recognition of the rights of conscientious objectors. South African law acknowledges religious objectors but not moral or political objectors.