| June 30, 2008 | Volume 83, Number 18 | |
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TortureThe very thought of someone experiencing the excruciating pain from torture is enough to make some of us cringe. It is bad enough to watch and hear even a stranger moan, grit their teeth or scream as they experience pain from an illness or accident. But it is all the more inconceivable to know that the pain results from torture. Obviously, anyone plotting and then carrying out torture on another is not showing respect for the dignity of that individual. As Christians, we believe that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God. There is absolutely no justification for torture. The United States unfortunately has been guilty of using torture on prisoners. There is a mounting group of American citizens who are rightfully outraged by it. Torture known as waterboarding has been shown on TV screens after it was revealed that it had been used by the CIA on Al Qaida detainees. No one who watched it could not be emotionally affected by what they saw and heard. With waterboarding the individual’s legs and arms are restrained while they are lying flat on their back and blindfolded. That in itself gives a feeling of powerlessness. Then water is poured over their face and into their nose and mouth causing them unbelievable terror and pain. The victims feels like he is drowning and is powerless to do anything about it. Punishment like this is nothing short of barbaric! The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a new study guide “Torture is a Moral Issue, a Catholic Study Guide” which looks at Church teachings and introduces passages from the Bible which point to Jesus’ command to “love your enemies.” While most would agree that is a hard thing to do — love one’s enemies — we have to remember that many other aspects of living the Christian faith are difficult as well. But is it really hard to abolish torture as a means of getting a prisoner to provide information? If it is, then something is wrong. Torture should not be tolerated under any circumstances! The new study guide was introduced June 23 in the midst of Torture Awareness Month as designated by religious, human rights and civil liberties organizations. The guide is available for downloading on the Web at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/TortureIsAMoralIssueCatholicStudyGuide.pdf. The 36-page guide cites international treaties that outlaw torture. They include the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the 1984 U.N. Convention Against Torture. There is a groundswell of religious groups objecting to torture and in late June nearly 300 churches and faith communities across the country joined a public witness in Washington to outlaw torture. About two dozen Catholic parishes and organizations were part of the effort.
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