The Refusal (Franz Jägerstätter, the man who refused to serve the Nazis)

A clip from the Refusal, a film about Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian Christian farmer executed for his refusal to serve in the armies of the Third Reich. Available from: His natural father was killed in World War I. His mother married Herr Jägerstätter, a small farmer, who adopted Franz. After gaining a reputation as a rather wild young man, perhaps fathering an illegitimate child, Franz married and settled down to a typical peasant life. Jägerstätter became sexton of the parish church, and was known for his diligent and devout service, particularly in refusing donations for conducting bereavement services, and for joining the bereaved as a fellow mourner. When Jägerstätter was called to active duty in the military, he sought counsel from at least three priests and his bishop. His earlier experiences left him with a great horror of lies and double-dealing, and Jägerstätter reconcile