Music for change

Torture
Oxford Quaker Meeting
A Statement on the Disavowal of Torture

We are deeply disturbed that leaders within our nation's government do not support Sen. John McCain's legislation, which publicly disavows our nation's use of torture anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances.

Torture turns its face against the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God.

As Quakers, we cannot support the use of torture. When we confront evil with its own means, those means mark our own character, both personal and national.

In that regard, the practice of torture so fully embraces evil it dehumanizes both the torturer and its victim. No just cause can be won if it relies on torture to succeed. Democracy and freedom cannot result from a war fueled by torture.

We call upon members of the House of Representatives to follow the lead of the Senate by approving the McCain amendment banning the use of torture by any entity of our government. We express our sorrow that our own Sen. Cochran did not support this amendment.

Furthermore, we urge the President and all members of his administration to support this legislation by affirming America's long-standing commitment to refrain from the use of torture.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Weinstein, Clerk, Oxford Monthly Meeting

• By “torture” we include cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of all persons

Approved by the Oxford Quaker Meeting, Religious Society of Friends, at the Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business on November 20, 2005
Oxford, Mississippi

Sent to Sen. John McCain

cc: President George W. Bush
Senator Thad Cochran
Senator Trent Lott
Representative Roger Wicker
Clerk, SAYMA (Southern Appalachia Yearly Meeting & Association)
Memphis Monthly Meeting, Memphis, TN
Starkville Quaker Worship Group, Starkville, MS