Oregon ministers speak out on Torture Report

By Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon supports the release of the Senate Torture Report, which details the CIA’s use of so-called “enhanced interrogations.” The disturbing acts of torture described in the report clearly violate the ethical and moral values we hold as a nation. Torture is also antithetical to the fundamental values of our faith traditions. Subjecting detainees to waterboarding, medically unnecessary forced feeding, and physical and psychological trauma, bring dishonour to the reputation of the United States.

How we respond as a nation to the fact that we tortured is important. If we are to be a nation that values life and respects human dignity, we must not look away or remain silent. We must demand that we remove the stain of torture from our nation’s present and future. Only then will we as a nation be on the moral path toward justice, peace and reconciliation.

Congress can make certain that US military and governmental agencies never use torture again by passing legislation creating one common, humane standard for all interrogations and ensuring that all interrogations be conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and treaties.

We thank Senator Ron Wyden for his leadership in ensuring the release of the report and the Senate Intelligence Committee for their due diligence.


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