How to Communicate With Your Teenager

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THE CHALLENGE

As a child, he talked to you about everything. As a teenager, he tells you nothing. When you try to converse, he either gives clipped responses or ignites an argument that turns your home ground into a battleground.

You can learn to talk with your teenager. First, though, consider two factors that may contribute to the challenge. *

WHY IT HAPPENS

The quest for independence. To become a responsible adult, your teenager must, in a figurative sense, gradually move from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat and learn to navigate life’s treacherous roadways. Of course, some teenagers want more freedom than they should have; on the other hand, some parents grant less freedom than they could. The tug-of-war that may result can create considerable turmoil for parents and teens. “My parents try to micromanage every aspect of my life,” complains 16-year-old Brad. * “If they don’t give me more freedom by the time I turn 18, I’m moving out!”

Abstract thinking. Young children tend to think in concrete, black-and-white terms, but many teenagers can perceive the gray areas of a matter. This is an important aspect of abstract thinking, and it helps a young person develop sound judgment. Consider an example: To a child the concept of fairness seems simple: ‘Mom broke a cookie in two and gave half to me and half to my brother.’ In this case, fairness is reduced to a mathematical formula. Teenagers, however, realize that the concept is not that simple. After all, fair treatment is not always equal, and equal treatment is not always fair. Abstract thinking allows your teenager to grapple with such complex issues. The downside? It can also cause him to grapple with you.

 WHAT YOU CAN DO

When possible, have casual chats. Take advantage of informal moments. For example, some parents have found that teenagers are more apt to open up while doing chores or while riding in the car, when they are side-by-side with a parent rather than face-to-face.—Bible principle: Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.

Keep it brief. You do not have to argue every issue to the bitter end. Instead, make your point . . . and then stop. Most of your message will be “heard” by your teenager later, when he’s alone and can ponder over what you’ve said. Give him a chance to do so.—Bible principle: Proverbs 1:1-4.

Listen—and be flexible. Listen carefully—without interrupting—so that you can get the full scope of the problem. When replying, be reasonable. If you rigidly adhere to rules, your teen will be tempted to look for loopholes. “This is when kids live two lives,” warns the book Staying Connected to Your Teenager. “The one in which they tell their parents what they want to hear and the one in which they do as they please once they are out of their parents’ sight.”—Bible principle: Philippians 4:5.

Stay calm. “When we disagree, my mom takes offense at everything I say,” says a teen named Kari. “That just makes me upset, and the conversation snowballs into an argument.” Rather than overreact, say something that “mirrors” your teen’s feelings. For example, instead of saying, “That’s nothing to worry about!” say, “I can see how much this bothers you.”—Bible principle: Proverbs 10:19.

To the extent possible, guide, don’t dictate. Your teen’s abstract thinking skills are like muscles that need to be developed. So when he faces a dilemma, do not do his “exercising” for him. As you discuss the matter, give him a chance to come up with some solutions of his own. Then, after you have brainstormed a few options, you could say: “Those are a few possibilities. Think them over for a day or two, and then we can get together again to talk about which solution you prefer and why.”—Bible principle: Hebrews 5:14.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• “Be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath.”—James 1:19.
• “An answer, when mild, turns away rage.”—Proverbs 15:1.
• “Do not irritate your children, but bring them up tenderly with true Christian training and advice.”—Ephesians 6:4, The New Testament in Modern Speech, by R. F. Weymouth.

FOR TEENAGERS

Do you want your parents to extend you more freedom? Do you wish that they really understood you? You can make it easier for them to do both! How? Be willing to tell them what’s going on in your life. Talk openly. When you hold back, they cannot fully trust you—and trust is the key to your getting more freedom.
The point is, do not leave all the communication up to your parents. Do your part. Tell your parents about your day. Ask them about theirs. If you have a complaint, learn how to express it respectfully. Communication is a skill that you will need in adulthood. Why not acquire it now?

the world

Israel

Children “born with a defect that could have been detected during prenatal screening” can no longer sue medical authorities for “wrongful life,” reports Haaretz.com. Parents, however, can sue for “wrongful birth” in order to seek compensation for “the extra expenses of raising a disabled child and meeting [his] needs for the rest of his life.”

Australia

In Australia, 8 out of 10 couples live together before getting married.

Greece

Statistics released by the Greek Ministry of Health showed a 40 percent increase in suicides in Greece during the first five months of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010. The rise coincided with the onset of the latest financial crisis.

United States

Almost 40 percent of food nationwide is wasted, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. It is estimated, for example, that 7 percent of food crops are never harvested, that 17 percent of meals served in restaurants and cafeterias remain uneaten, and that families throw out some 25 percent of the food they purchase.

Madagascar

The world’s smallest chameleon was recently discovered in Madagascar. Growing to a length of 1.1 inches (29 mm), some of these tiny brown lizards can perch on a fingernail. Because of threats to its habitat, the animal may be at risk of extinction.

How to Set Rules for Your Teenager

How to Set Rules for Your Teenagerr

THE CHALLENGE

Your teenager says you are too strict. Your instincts tell you otherwise. ‘If I relax the rules,’ you say to yourself, ‘he will just get into trouble!’

You can set reasonable rules for your teenager. First, though, you need to understand what might be causing him to chafe against the rules in the first place. *

WHY IT HAPPENS

Myth: All teenagers rebel against rules; it’s an unavoidable part of adolescence.

Fact: A teenager is less likely to rebel when parents set reasonable rules and discuss them with him.

Although a number of factors may be involved in rebellion, parents may unwittingly encourage it if their rules are inflexible or no longer age appropriate. Consider the following:

• Inflexible. When parents lay down the law and there is no room for discussion, rules become more like a straitjacket that stifles the teen rather than a seat belt that protects him. As a result, he may secretly engage in the very acts that his parents forbid.



• No longer age appropriate. “Because I said so” may be enough explanation for a young child, but adolescents need more—they need reasons. After all, in the near future, your teenager may be living on his own and making weighty decisions. It’s far better that he learn to reason well and make good decisions now, while he’s still under your supervision.

But what can you do if your teenager constantly seems to be irritated by your rules?

 WHAT YOU CAN DO

First, realize that teenagers need—and deep down even want—boundaries. So set rules, and make sure your teenager understands them. “When adolescents are given clear boundaries and expect a reasonable amount of parental supervision, they are less likely to engage in worrisome behaviors,” says the book Letting Go With Love and Confidence. In contrast, uninvolved parents who grant their teenagers too much freedom give the impression that they do not care. And that is a recipe for rebellion.—Bible principle: Proverbs 29:15.

How, then, can you show balance? Let your teenager express himself about family rules. For example, if he asks for an adjustment to his curfew, listen to him as he presents his case. A teenager who knows that he has been fully heard is more likely to respect and comply with the decision you make—even if he does not agree with it.—Bible principle: James 1:19.

Before making a decision, though, remember this: While teenagers tend to ask for more freedom than they should have, parents may tend to grant less freedom than they could. So give serious consideration to your teenager’s request. Has he demonstrated that he is responsible? Do the circumstances warrant a concession? Be willing to bend when appropriate.—Bible principle: Genesis 19:17-22.

Besides listening to your teenager’s feelings, make sure that you let your teenager know your concerns as well. By doing so, you may teach him to consider not only his wishes but also the feelings of others.—Bible principle: 1 Corinthians 10:24.

Finally, make a decision and explain your reasons for it. Even if he is not thrilled with the decision, likely he is glad to have parents who will hear him out. Remember, an adolescent is an adult in training. By setting reasonable rules and discussing them with your teenager, you will help him grow to become a responsible adult.—Bible principle: Proverbs 22:6.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• “Let your reasonableness become known.”—Philippians 4:5.
• “Do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.”—Colossians 3:21.

FOR TEENAGERS

“Imagine a man who owes money to a bank. If he makes his payments regularly, he’ll earn the bank’s trust and the bank may even extend more credit to him in the future. It’s similar at home. You owe your parents your obedience. If you prove trustworthy—even in small things—your parents are likely to trust you more in the future. Of course, if you continually let your parents down, don’t be surprised if they reduce or even close your ‘line of credit.

Does the Bible condemn pornography?

 THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT

Pornography

Does the Bible condemn pornography?

“Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”—Matthew 5:28.

WHY IT MATTERS

Today pornography is more popular and accessible than ever before. If you wish to please God and live a happier life, you should know how God feels about pornography.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The Bible does not mention pornography specifically. Still, the use of pornography is in direct conflict with many Bible principles.

For instance, the Bible pointedly states that when a married man “keeps on looking at a woman” to whom he is not married, nurturing a desire to have sex with her, it can lead to adultery. The principle behind this Bible statement would apply to anyone, married or single, who “keeps on looking” at pornographic images with the desire to engage in sexual immorality. Such behavior is clearly offensive to God.

 Is pornography wrong even when it does not lead to sexually immoral acts?

“Deaden, therefore, your body members . . . as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness.”—Colossians 3:5.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Some researchers doubt that there is a significant link between pornography and real acts of sexually offensive behavior. Yet, is the use of pornography in itself immoral?

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The Bible describes “obscene jesting” as unacceptable and immoral. (Ephesians 5:3, 4) How could pornography be any less objectionable? Today’s pornography often includes the visual recording of real acts of adultery, homosexuality, and other forms of fornication. Surely, the lascivious viewing of such sexually immoral acts is significantly more offensive to God than obscene speech.

Researchers continue to debate the likelihood of people acting out fantasies fueled by pornography. But the Bible clearly supports the notion that the use of pornography is in itself spiritually destructive and highly offensive to God. The Bible gives this admonition: “Deaden, therefore, your body members . . . as respects fornication [and] sexual appetite.” (Colossians 3:5) Users of pornography do exactly the opposite—rather than deadening such desires, they nurture and inflame them.

What can help you to avoid the use of pornography?

“Search for what is good, and not what is bad . . . Hate what is bad, and love what is good.”—Amos 5:14, 15.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The Bible speaks of sexually promiscuous people, drunkards, and thieves, who were able to quit their destructive behavior. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) How? By applying the wisdom found in God’s Word, they learned to hate what is bad.

It is possible to learn to hate pornography by giving careful thought to the terrible consequences of this harmful vice. A recent study published by Utah State University revealed that some pornography users experience “depression, social isolation, damaged relationships,” and other sad consequences. What is more, because, as explained earlier, the viewing of pornography is offensive to God, it does something far more harmful. It alienates humans from their Creator.

The Bible can help us learn to love what is good. The more we read the Bible, the deeper our love for its moral standards will grow. That love will help us to take a firm stand against pornography and to feel the way the psalmist did who wrote: “I shall not set in front of my eyes any good-for-nothing thing.”—Psalm 101:3.

How to Be a Good Father

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“Where did I go wrong?” This question tormented Michael, * from South Africa. As hard as he had tried to be a good father, every time he thought about his wayward 19-year-old son, he wondered if he could have been a better parent.

In contrast, Terry, who lives in Spain, seems to have succeeded as a father. His son, Andrew, says: “Many of my earliest memories of my dad are of him reading to me, playing with me, and taking me on trips where he and I could spend time alone. He made learning fun.”

Admittedly, it is not easy to be a good father. But there are basic principles that can help. Many fathers have found that they and their families benefit when they follow the wisdom found in the Bible. Let us consider some of the Bible’s practical advice that can help fathers.

 1. Make Time for Your Family

As a father, how do you show your children that they are important to you? Surely there are many things you do for your children, including the sacrifices you make to feed them and provide them with an adequate home. You would not do such things if your children were not important to you. Yet, if you do not spend significant amounts of time with your children, they might conclude that you care more for other things, such as your job, your friends, or your hobbies, than you do for them.

When should a father begin to spend time with his children? A mother begins to form a bond with her child while it is still in the womb. Some 16 weeks after conception, an unborn baby might begin to hear. At this stage a father too can start to build his unique relationship with his unborn child. He can listen to the baby’s heartbeat, feel it kick, talk to it, and sing to it.

Bible Principle: In Bible times men were personally involved in the education of their children. Fathers were encouraged to spend time with their children on a regular basis, as is made evident by the Bible’s words at Deuteronomy 6:6, 7, which say: “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.”

2. Good Fathers Are Good Communicators

Listen calmly without being judgmental

In order to communicate effectively with your children, you must be a careful listener. You need to cultivate the ability to listen without overreacting.

If your children think that you will lose your temper quickly and be judgmental, they will have little incentive to express their inner feelings to you. But if you listen to them calmly, you will show that you are genuinely interested in them. They will in turn be far more likely to share their precious thoughts and feelings with you.

Bible Principle: The practical wisdom found in the Bible has proved to be beneficial in many aspects of daily life. For instance, the Bible says: “Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath.” (James 1:19) Fathers who apply this Bible principle are able to communicate better with their children.

 3. Give Loving Discipline and Commendation

Even when you feel frustrated or angry, the discipline you administer should be an expression of loving concern for the long-term welfare of your child. It includes advice, correction, education, and chastisement when needed.

Furthermore, discipline is much more effective when a father commends his children regularly. An ancient proverb says: “As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it.” (Proverbs 25:11) Commendation enriches a child’s character. Children blossom when they are acknowledged and appreciated. A father who looks for opportunities to give commendation will help to build confidence in his children and motivate them not to give up trying to do what is right.

Bible Principle: “You fathers, do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.”—Colossians 3:21.

4. Love and Respect Your Wife

The way a father exercises his role as a husband is certain to affect children. One group of experts on child development explains: “One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother. . . . A father and mother who respect each other and let their children know it provide a secure environment for them.”—The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children. *

Bible Principle: “Husbands, continue loving your wives . . . Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself.”—Ephesians 5:25, 33.

 5. Apply God’s Practical Wisdom

Fathers who have heartfelt love for God can give their children a most precious heritage—an intimate relationship with their heavenly Father.

After decades of hard work raising six children, Antonio, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, received the following note from one of his daughters: “Dear Dad, I just wanted to thank you for raising me to love Jehovah God, my neighbor, and myself—that is, to be a well-rounded individual. You showed me that you love Jehovah and that you care about me personally. Thank you, Dad, for putting Jehovah first in your life and for treating your children as gifts from God!”

Bible Principle: “You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force. And these words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart.”—Deuteronomy 6:5, 6.

It is obvious that there is more involved in fatherhood than these five points and that, realistically, even when you try your best to be a good father, you are not going to be a perfect one. But to the extent that you apply these principles in a loving and balanced way, you really can be a good father. *

A Good Father Is Not Too Busy

Sylvan, originally from Barbados, is a New York City bus driver who lives with his wife and three teenage sons. Sylvan has an especially challenging schedule, working from midafternoon until three or four o’clock in the morning. He has Thursday and Friday off, but Saturday and Sunday nights he has to work. Yet, he is not too busy for his children.
“It’s tough, but I try,” explains Sylvan. “Each of my boys needs some one-on-one time with me. Thursday afternoon is set aside for the oldest one when he gets home from school. On Friday, I schedule time for the middle boy. For the youngest one, I reserve Sunday morning.”

Fathers Who Are Appreciated

“He plays with me and reads to me at night.”—Sierra, aged 5.

“We can be having tons of fun playing, and he will say, ‘OK, it’s time to clean up now.’ At other times, after we’ve been working, he’ll stop and say, ‘Now it’s time to do something fun.’”—Michael, aged 10.

“My father has never allowed his secular work or his hobbies to prevent him from helping Mom at home. Even now, after so many years, he cooks at least as often as Mom does, washes the dishes, helps with cleaning the house, and treats her with love and tenderness.”—Andrew, aged 32.

 Keys to Family Happiness

Talk to Your Children About Sex

Alicia, * a teenager, says: “Sometimes I’m just curious about something regarding sex, but I feel that if I ask my parents questions, they’ll think I’m up to something bad.”
Inez, Alicia’s mother, says: “I would love to sit down and talk with my daughter about sex, but she’s so busy with her own life. It’s hard to find a time when she’s free.”

TODAY, sex is everywhere—on TV, in movies, and plastered all over advertising. It seems that the only place the subject is still considered taboo is in conversation between parents and children. “I wish parents knew how nerve-racking and embarrassing it is to talk to them about sex,” says a teen in Canada named Michael. “It’s easier to talk to a friend.”

Often, parents are just as reluctant as their children to broach the subject. In her book Beyond the Big Talk, health educator Debra W. Haffner says: “Many parents have told me that they bought their child a book on sexuality or puberty, left it in the preteen’s room, and never discussed it again.” Haffner says that the message to children is clear: “We want you to know about your body and about sex; we just don’t want to talk to you about it.”

If you are a parent, you need to take a different stance. Indeed, it is crucial that you personally talk to your children about sex. Consider three reasons:

1. The sexual landscape has changed. “There is no longer the quick definition of sex—a husband and wife having intercourse,” says 20-year-old James. “Now, there is oral sex, anal sex, cybersex—even ‘sexting’ over the phone.”
2. Your children will likely be confronted with misinformation at an early age. “They will hear about sex as soon as they start school,” says a mother named Sheila, “and they will not get the viewpoint that you want them to have.”
3. Your children have questions about sex but are not likely to initiate a discussion with you. “Frankly, I have no idea how to start a conversation with my parents about sex,” says 15-year-old Ana from Brazil.

 Really, talking to your children about sex is part of your God-given responsibility as a parent. (Ephesians 6:4) True, it may be awkward, both for you and for them. On the positive side, though, many youths agree with 14-year-old Danielle, who says, “We want to learn about sex from our parents—not from some teacher or TV program.” How, then, can you talk to your children about this important yet admittedly awkward topic? *

According to Their Age

Unless they live in total isolation, children begin hearing about sex at an early age. Even more disturbing is the fact that in these “last days,” wicked men have advanced “from bad to worse.” (2 Timothy 3:1, 13) Sadly, many children are exploited by adults for perverted sexual purposes.

It is therefore important for you to start educating your children while they are still quite young. “If you wait till they’re nearing their teens,” says a mother in Germany named Renate, “they may not want to speak openly because of the inhibitions that come with puberty.” The key is to give children information that is appropriate to their age.

For preschoolers:

Focus on teaching the proper names of the sex organs, and emphasize that no one should touch these organs. “I started teaching my son when he was three years old,” says a mother in Mexico named Julia. “Just knowing that teachers, babysitters, or older children could hurt him concerned me very much. He needed to know how to protect himself from strangers.”

TRY THIS: Train your child to respond firmly if anyone attempts to play with his or her sex organs. For example, you might teach your child to say: “Stop that! I’m going to tell on you!” Assure your child that telling is always appropriate—even if the person promises gifts or makes threats. *

For primary-school children:

Use these years as an opportunity to add to your child’s knowledge gradually. “Test the waters before having a talk,” recommends a father named Peter. “See what they already know and whether they want to know more. Don’t force the discussion. It will likely come naturally if you regularly spend time with your children.”

TRY THIS: Have frequent, short discussions instead of one ‘big talk.’ (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) This way you will not overwhelm your children. Furthermore, as they grow up, they will have the information they need in accord with their maturity level.

For adolescents:

Now is the time to make sure that your child has sufficient knowledge of the physical, emotional, and moral aspects of sex. “Boys and girls at my school are already hooking up,” says 15-year-old Ana, quoted earlier. “I think that as a Christian, I need sufficient knowledge about the subject. As embarrassing as sex may be to discuss, it’s something I must know about.” *

A caution: Teens may hold back from asking questions because they fear that their parents will suspect them of improper conduct. That is what one father named Steven found. “Our son became reluctant to discuss sex,” he says. “But later we found out that he felt we were suspicious of his behavior. We  made it clear that we were not discussing these subjects because we suspected him of anything; we only wanted to make sure that he was equipped to handle the bad influences around him.”

TRY THIS: Instead of confronting your adolescent with direct questions about a particular matter regarding sex, ask how his or her classmates view the matter. For example, you might say: “Many people today feel that oral sex isn’t really sex. Is that how your schoolmates feel?” Such indirect questions are more likely to get your adolescent to open up and express his or her own views.

Overcoming Awkwardness

Granted, talking to your children about sex may be one of the most awkward parenting tasks you will face. But it is well worth your effort. “Over time,” says a mother named Diane, “the awkwardness fades, and talking to your child about sex can actually become a bonding opportunity.” Steven, quoted earlier, agrees. “It becomes easier to discuss awkward topics like sex if you establish a routine of being open about whatever subjects present themselves in the family,” he says, adding: “The awkwardness never completely goes away, but open communication is the lifeblood of a healthy Christian family.”

ASK YOURSELF . . .

Read the following comments received from youths around the world, and then ask yourself the accompanying questions.

“My parents tell me to read articles dealing with sex and then approach them if I have any questions. But I wish they would talk to me more about it.”—Ana, Brazil.

Why, do you think, is it important to do more than simply give your child material to read?

“I know so many twisted things about sex—things that I think my father has no clue about. He would be horrified if I asked him about it.”—Ken, Canada.

What fears might your child have about talking to you regarding his or her concerns?

“When I finally got the courage to ask my parents a question about sex, they replied as if accusing me, asking, ‘Why would you ask about that? Has something happened?’”—Masami, Japan.

When your child asks you a question about sex, how can your reaction either open the door for future discussions or close it?

“It would help if my parents would reassure me that when they were my age, they were asking the same questions and that it’s normal for me to ask questions too.”—Lisette, France.

How can you put your child at ease, so that he or she will feel more comfortable talking to you about sex?

“My mother would ask me questions about sex—but in a pleasant tone of voice. I feel that this is important, so that a child does not feel as if he’s being judged.”—Gerald, France.

What tone of voice do you use when talking to your child about sex? Is an adjustment needed?

European Court Upholds the Right to Conscientious Objection

Events Leading Up to the European Court Case

Vahan was born in Armenia in April 1983. In 1996, he and other members of his family began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and when he was 16 years old, he was baptized. From his study of the Bible, Vahan developed a deep regard for the teachings of Jesus Christ, including the direction Jesus gave his followers not to take up physical weapons of warfare. (Matthew 26:52) Therefore, only a short time after his baptism, Vahan faced a critical decision in his life.

Armenian law makes military service compulsory for all young men when they turn 18 years of age. If they refuse to perform this service, they can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years. Vahan wanted to serve his fellow citizens. At the same time, he did not want to violate his Bible-trained conscience. So, what did he do?

As soon as he was deemed eligible for military service in 2001, Vahan began writing letters to the authorities in Armenia. In his letters, he stated that such service would violate his conscience and religious beliefs. At the same time, he declared his willingness to perform alternative civilian service instead.

Vahan Bayatyan in front of Nubarashen Prison in Armenia

More than one year passed, during which Vahan continued to appeal to authorities to recognize his conscientious refusal  of military service. However, in September 2002, Vahan was arrested, and later he was charged with draft evasion. He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. The prosecutor, though, was not satisfied with that punishment. Just one month after the sentencing, the prosecutor filed a motion with the appeal court, demanding a harsher sentence. He argued that Vahan’s religiously motivated conscientious objection to military service was “unfounded and dangerous.” The appeal court granted the prosecutor’s petition, increasing Vahan’s sentence to 30 months’ imprisonment.

Vahan appealed this decision to Armenia’s highest court. In January 2003, the Court of Cassation upheld the appeal court’s judgment. Vahan was immediately transferred to a prison facility to begin serving his sentence along with murderers, drug dealers, and rapists.

Events in the European Court

Since 2001, Armenia has been a member of the Council of Europe. Its citizens therefore have a right to appeal cases to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) once they have exhausted all domestic remedies for justice. That is what Vahan chose to do. In his appeal he argued that his conviction for refusal to serve in the army had violated Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He asked that his right to conscientious objection of military service be protected under this article—something that had never been successfully argued before.

On October 27, 2009, the ECHR issued its judgment. The court held that, in view of existing case law, freedom of conscience as defined in Article 9 of the European Convention does not protect the rights of conscientious objectors who refuse to serve in the military.

Bayatyan with his wife, Tsovinar, and son, Vahe

By that time, Vahan had long been released from prison, was married, and had a little boy. Vahan was disappointed by the judgment. He then had to make the choice either to drop the case or appeal to the Grand Chamber of the ECHR. He chose the latter. The Grand Chamber accepts only exceptional cases, so Vahan was pleased when it decided to review his case.

Finally, on July 7, 2011, in Strasbourg, France, the Grand Chamber of the ECHR issued its ruling. The court concluded by an overwhelming majority of 16 votes to 1 that Armenia violated the right of freedom of conscience of Vahan Bayatyan when it convicted and imprisoned him for his conscientious  objection to military service. The judge from Armenia provided the sole dissenting vote.

Bayatyan with his legal counselors in the European Court of Human Rights, November 24, 2010

Why is that ruling significant? Because it was the first time in the history of the ECHR that the right to conscientious objection to military service was viewed as being fully protected under Article 9 of the Convention. As a result, the court views it as a violation of fundamental rights in a democratic society to imprison a conscientious objector.

The Court made the following remark about the position of Jehovah’s Witnesses as conscientious objectors: “The Court therefore has no reason to doubt that the applicant’s objection to military service was motivated by his religious beliefs, which were genuinely held and were in serious and insurmountable conflict with his obligation to perform military service.”

Reaction to the Decision

Over the past two decades, over 450 conscientious objectors who are Jehovah’s Witnesses have been sentenced in Armenia. At the time this article was being prepared, there were 58 young men in that country who were imprisoned for their conscientious refusal of military service on religious grounds. Five of those individuals were imprisoned after the landmark decision in the case of Bayatyan v. Armenia. * In one of those cases, when the young conscientious objector filed a motion requesting that the local prosecutor terminate the criminal proceedings against him for refusing military service on the basis of conscience, the prosecutor rejected his motion. In his written response, the prosecutor stated: “The judgment by the European Court in the case Bayatyan v. Armenia, dated July 7, 2011, does not apply in this case, since it is obvious that there are no similar circumstances in the two cases.”

Why did the prosecutor feel that way? When Vahan Bayatyan was charged, there was no alternative civilian service provision in place. The government of Armenia asserts that since then, a law has been adopted making such a provision, so those opposed to military service now have the option of performing civilian service. However, the alternative service law is under military control, so it does not apply to many of the conscientious objectors who are presently being called up for military duty.

Vahan Bayatyan is pleased with the milestone decision that was made in his favor. The judgment now places an obligation on Armenia to stop prosecuting and imprisoning individuals whose deeply held religious convictions do not allow them to engage in military service.

It is not the purpose of Jehovah’s Witnesses to introduce reform into the legal system of any country. However, just as young Vahan Bayatyan did, they seek to establish their legal rights based on some of the existing laws governing the countries in which they live. Why? In order that they may continue to live peaceably and freely obey all the commands of their Leader, Jesus Christ.