Torture Is a Moral Issue

In January 2006, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture was formed. Their purpose was to organize people of faith around the issue of torture, specifically to pass legislation that prohibits -- without exception -- all U.S.-sponsored torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees, and all policies that allow for or encourage such torture or treatment. The Statement of Conscience, "Torture is a Moral Issue," is an educational, organizing and advocacy tool. The statement describes the situation and asks people of faith to endorse it, to let others know about it, and to share their thoughts with the Congress and the White House.

To join in the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, go to www.nrcat.org. You can join the more than thirteen thousand people of faith who have endorsed “Torture is a Moral Issue.”

Banners Across America

Torture Awareness Month

June 2008

The Sisters of St. Francis will take part in the Banners Across America campaign in June, sponsored by the National Religious Campaign against Torture (NRCAT). NRCAT is calling for a public witness against torture by asking congregations across the country, of all sizes, from every state and all faiths, to display a banner during Torture Awareness Month (June). The Sisters’ banner will say, “Sylvania Franciscans say torture is wrong” and will be displayed on the fence near the front entrance of their Sylvania grounds on Convent Blvd.

Background

The 9-foot banner will help the Sisters make a strong statement against the use of torture. We take this stance because we believe that all people are created in the image and likeness of God, because it is our duty to uphold the rights and dignity of all and because we believe that torture debases not only the victim, but the perpetrator and policy-maker as well. We follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi who saw all as sister and brother and committed himself to bringing peace and reconciliation among his followers, between the mayor and bishop of Assisi and even between the townspeople of Gubbio and the wolf that was terrorizing them. In that spirit, we embrace NRCAT’s call:

• People of faith are called to compassion - to not only care when people are degraded or hurt but to take action: to stand for, and with, those who are abused, oppressed, and among the most vulnerable.
• People of faith are called to pursue justice to assure that all people are treated fairly - as Martin Luther King once noted, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
• People of faith are called to be faithful - to be constant in their defense of each individual’s dignity, humanity, and honor.
• People of faith are called to hospitality - to welcome those who are marginalized, ostracized, and perceived as Other.
• People of faith are called to make peace - to facilitate reconciliation and to create a culture of peace.