Originally published on the CGS blog on November 11, 2009.
GlobalSolutions.org is proud to announce the release of Faithful Against Torture, a collection of essays by people of faith considering torture in the light of the principles, precepts and traditions of their religions. The book includes an introduction by Rev. Richard Killmer, the Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.
Reverend Killmer gives a compelling explanation as to why people of faith are working to end U.S. sponsored torture and why people of diverse faiths, which are not always in agreement can agree that torture is wrong. Whether you consider yourself a person of faith or not, common sense teaches us that torture is cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
If torture is a matter of right or wrong, it is safe to say most of us believe it is wrong. The belief that torture is wrong is a matter of the innate right to life and dignity that all human beings posses. These innate rights are built into many faiths in various forms. As Reverend Killmer points out, most faiths have some form of “The Golden Rule”. People of faith are also cited with having compassion, a pursuit of justice so that all are treated equal, hospitality to those different then themselves, and a goal of creating peace. If these things are the basis of faith, it is easy to see why those of different faiths can come together in an agreement that torture is wrong. This preface does an excellent job at making people come to the realization that preventing torture is something we all can agree upon as human beings.
CGS hopes that the timeless answer in this book will guide us as we establish rules to govern ourselves in the future.
We cordially invite you to the launch of Faithful Against Torture on November 17, 2009 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at our offices, 420 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. (1/2 block South of the Eastern Market Metro Station) Some of the authors will be present and will do short readings from the book. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Light refreshments will be served. Please call 202.546.3950 x102 for more information.
Faithful Against Torture is also available for purchase on Amazon.com.
