Religious Leaders Mount Campaign Against Torture
May 12th, 2008 • Posted in: NewsBut polls reflect ambivalence, and some say the practice could be justified under extreme circumstances
BOSTON
U.S. faith communities are joining a national campaign to prohibit torture or other inhumane treatment of U.S.-held detainees, the Christian Science Monitor reports.
The Monitor reports that more than 175 religious organizations have signed onto the National Religious Campaign against torture. Members come from Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths, among others.
But the paper notes that the campaign may have its work cut out for it, noting that “polls since 2001 show great divergence and ambivalence in public attitudes toward the interrogation and treatment of alleged terrorists. And Congress so far has not convinced the administration to change course.”
While many religious leaders have condemned torture, there is disagreement over what constitutes torture and whether harsh interrogation is ever justified. Some argue that the rules may have to be suspended temporarily under extreme circumstances, reports the Monitor.
Source: Christian Science Monitor, May 9.
For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Feb. 11 — Related Newsline story, Feb. 4 — Related Newsline story, Dec. 31, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Dec. 17, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Nov. 5, 2007.
Print This Story
Email This Story
[...] more information, see: Related Newsline story, May 12 — Related Newsline story, Mar. 24 — Related Newsline story, Feb. 11 [...]