Faith groups mount campaign against torture

[struggle4progress]

By Jane Lampman | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
from the May 8, 2008 edition

... More than 175 religious organizations have joined the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT). Their aim is to build a moral consensus among Americans on the issue and to bring government policies in line with US law and international norms.

"Religions of the world do agree on basic tenets about how people should treat each other because of the dignity of the human person," says the Rev. Richard Killmer, executive director. The group involves mainline and evangelical Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and other members ...

During June, which is Torture Awareness Month, NRCAT is sponsoring "Banners Across America." Congregations of various faiths in all 50 states are asked to display a banner outside their place of worship that would say either "Torture Is Wrong" or "Torture Is a Moral Issue." Rabbis for Human Rights is making available a third banner: "Honor the Image of God: Stop Torture Now" ...

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0508/p03s05-usju.html


TORTURE IS A MORAL ISSUE
A Statement of Conscience of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture ...
Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions, in their highest ideals, hold dear. It degrades everyone involved -- policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable ... http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=140


Banners Across America
NRCAT is making June the month for Banners Across America! We are asking congregations of all sizes, from every state, and all faiths, to join in a public witness against torture by displaying a banner outside their place of worship during Torture Awareness Month (June 2008) ... http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=152&Itemid=151