Outreach: Missions & social justice
GOOD NEWS
"Torture Is a Moral Issue" Banner – We received this good news from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture – "Dear Friends: We hope you've heard the good news that today President Obama signed the executive order we have been seeking -- an executive order that ends the CIA abuse of detainees, closes U.S. secret prisons, and provides the International Committee of the Red Cross with access to U.S.-held detainees. We have stopped our "count-up" clock -- the clock marking the hours that had passed until an executive order halting U.S.-sponsored torture was signed. This is a moment for celebration and thanksgiving. We have all prayed and labored faithfully for this significant step toward ending U.S.-sponsored torture. Thank you for all your efforts to help reach this goal." The Outreach: Missions and Social Justice Committee would like to thank and congratulate the members of West Side for their participation in the campaign. The banner has come down, and will hopefully never be needed again!
This June West Side will be displaying a banner on the church's front lawn saying “Torture is a Moral Issue.” This is part of our participation in a public awareness campaign sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT). The NRCAT has declared June Torture Awareness Month and is encouraging congregations across the country to display banners. With approval from the Church Council and pastoral staff, West Side has decided to join this campaign to promote awareness of issues surrounding torture and to promote thoughtful discussion concerning how our Christian convictions impact our response to this issue.
Our denomination is a participating member in the NRCAT and has taken clear stances on the issue of torture. The United Methodist Social Principles state: "[T]he mistreatment or torture of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs." (¶164.A) In addition Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, President of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, has joined leaders of 21 other religious organizations in registering their opposition to torture, saying in a statement that “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 values. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable. Nothing less is at stake in the torture abuse crisis than the soul of our nation. What does it signify if torture is condemned in word but allowed in deed? Let America abolish torture now—without exceptions.”
Dave Constantine
on behalf of the Outreach: Missions and Social Justice Committee