This narrative explores the enduring tension between Gradualism—the focus on institutional stability and incremental progress—and Immediatism—the prophetic demand to cease participation in injustice immediately, regardless of the cost.
Being a NewCO means moving beyond passive objection to active, immediate intervention.
Historical and Contemporary Immediatism
A definitive example of immediatism occurred at Bear Creek Friends Meeting in 1877. When evangelical practices were introduced to the service, Conservative Quakers chose to walk out immediately rather than compromise their theological integrity for the sake of institutional unity.
Modern expressions of this “immediate refusal” often manifest as direct resistance to systemic harm, such as:
- Anti-militarism: Returning draft cards or divesting from military contractors.
- Environmental Stewardship: Refusing to own automobiles due to their ecological impact.
- Faith-Led Action: Boycotting unjust systems the moment one recognizes their complicity in them.
The “NewCO”: A Theology of Now
The concept of the NewCO (New Conscientious Objector) is rooted deeply in this immediatist tradition. Being a NewCO means moving beyond passive objection to active, immediate intervention.
Instead of waiting for government policy to shift or social service agencies to mobilize, the NewCO acts on the conviction that basic human needs must be met the moment they are identified. It is a refusal to let bureaucracy delay the work of compassion.
