PRESS RELEASE by Judy Davis
Torture as a moral issue was the focus of a vote taken by Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation at its Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 23rd.
Approved unanimously was A Statement of Conscience of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), which reads: "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.
"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."
The Rev. Dr. Dan Spencer, minister of the Granite Peak Congregation , points out that, "The vote was totally in harmony with the First Principle of Unitarian Universalism, which is respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
"We recognize that President Obama issued an Executive Order in January 2009, halting torture," said Rev. Spencer. "Yet much remains to be done to bring about changes in national policy to ensure that our government never again uses cruel and degrading interrogations..
"To that end, we strongly support the interfaith efforts of the NRCAT," he said, "and encourage all concerned citizens to join in calling for a Commission of Inquiry on this issue."
