National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Got this in my mailbox this morning:
(www.tortureisamoralissue.org)


Dear NRCAT Supporters:

It's time to begin planning for June - Torture Awareness Month. We will be using Torture Awareness Month to emphasize three major goals: a Commission on Inquiry, putting into law key provisions of the Executive Order, and expanding the national consensus that torture is always wrong.

Our new Torture Awareness Month webpage outlines a range of activities congregations can do during June.

Increase the number of people in our nation who believe that torture is always wrong:

Building on the increased national visibility of torture as a result of the ICRC report, the Justice Department memos, and the Senate Armed Services Committee report, we encourage you to consider using the following:
1. Worship Resources -Highlight the issue of torture during a worship service, using or adapting resources NRCAT has developed or collected from other sources, including a new interfaith prayer and sample sermons. If you would like to share or suggest other resources (e.g. a sermon you've given), please send them to John Humphries at jhumphries@nrcat.org.

2. Study Resources - Organize a study session, using NRCAT's new video "Ending U.S.-sponsored Torture Forever: A Study Resource for People of Faith" and discussion guide. You can view the trailer here. We've highlighted a number of other resources here.

3. Community Outreach - Promote the display of banners and bumper stickers. NRCAT has new banners and bumper stickers for 2009 with the message "End Torture - Forever: Investigate. Legislate."

Advocate for a Commission of Inquiry and legislation that will make permanent the elements of President Obama's executive order halting torture:
1. Organize a delegation to meet with your Member of Congress during
the July 4th recess (6/29 - 7/3), seeking support for a Commission of Inquiry and legislation that will make permanent the elements of President Obama's executive order.

2. Organize a public event to mark UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26.

NRCAT will continue updating the Torture Awareness Month page during the coming weeks, providing more detailed information and resources, but please initiate your planning NOW by talking with congregational leaders about how your congregation will participate in this national initiative for education and action.

If you have any questions about these suggested activities or need more information about how your congregation can be engaged, please contact John Humphries at jhumphries@nrcat.org.

Thank you for all your efforts to end U.S.-sponsored torture - permanently.

Sincerely,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director


You have received this message because you endorsed the "Torture is a Moral Issue" statement of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture OR you signed up to receive more information from NRCAT.


Questions? Please email campaign@nrcat.org
National Religious Campaign Against Torture: www.tortureisamoralissue.org