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Endorsements from other organizations Minutes of Support
South Central Yearly Meeting Minute May 11, 2005
After making small edits, Friends APPROVED the following minute: Friends Meeting of Washington reaffirms its belief in the Light of God in every person. This belief, our historical experience, and our testimonies of peace, justice, and equality lead us to condemn torture for any purpose, including the furtherance of the objectives of war. Torture by any means, including waterboarding, sleep deprivation, sexual humiliation, loud music that is culturally offensive, extended isolation, or by taking relatives as hostages, is immoral. The government of a conscientious people must cease practicing torture directly upon prisoners in detention centers such as Guantanamo and in secret black sites and indirectly through rendition or threat of rendition to countries where prisoners may be tortured by foreign governments. A Friend suggested that Committees circulate drafts of minutes such as these to the Meeting community through the newsletter and other means prior to bringing them the Meeting for Business, when time permits. top Friends World Committee for Consultation Section of the Americas Minute FWA06-8 approved at Annual Meeting 2006 in Chiquimula, Guatemala In 1976, FWCC in a minute of concern addressed the grave anxiety created by the increase in the use of torture and imprisonment by government and anti-government groups around the world. Sadly, today, FWCC Section of the Americas feels led to again minute our deepest concerns at the continued inhumane treatment of prisoners. Increasingly, we are seeing a legitimacy attached to the use of injustice and brutality that is reflected in an escalation in the use of torture in prisons, the holding of prisoners without access to courts for as many as three years, the establishment of secret prisons, and the institutionalized training in techniques of torture in places such as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Strategic Cooperation (formerly known as the School of the Americas). The Geneva Convention, which once seemed to have attained the status of settled law worldwide, is being violated, and the perpetrators of inhumane treatment are not being held accountable. As Friends, we believe in the sacredness of each person. It is the belief in a divinely mandated call to honor the inherent worth of each individual that has allowed Friends to persevere in lengthy struggles against the great evils of the past and present – slavery, religious persecution, and oppression of those at the margins of society. At great cost, Friends have witnessed prophetically against injustice for more than 350 years. We now call on Friends everywhere to raise our voices once again against a malevolent darkness that is spreading throughout our world – to join together with all people of faith and conscience in calling on our governments to banish forever the use of torture in any form. top Morningside Meeting November 2006 Morningside Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) joins with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture in our belief that torture is a moral issue. We condemn the use of torture for any purpose, either to further the objectives of war or to prevent terrorism. War and terrorism inspire fear, but retaliation and torture do not prevent them. Torture by any means, whether direct or by proxy, is immoral. Torture destroys the humanity of the tortured, the torturer and those who have knowledge of it. It fails to defend the sanctity of life. Civilized nations agree that these techniques are immoral. As Friends with commitment to integrity, we call on the United States to honor its treaty obligations to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, their 1977 Protocols, and the UN Convention against Torture. By not honoring these agreements, we endanger our own soldiers and civil society itself; according to military leaders, torture does not lead to accurate information. Failing to maintain our integrity as a nation destroys trust and undermines our ability to lead effectively. We agree with William Penn, Quaker founder of Pennsylvania, who once said, ? A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we ever do evil that good may come of it.? Let the United States abolish its use of torture now. top
Friends World Committee for Consultation Triennial Meeting in 1976 MINUTE While many monthly and yearly meetings have minuted their support of this conference, a foundational call to action is found in a statement by the Friends World Committee for Consultation Triennial Meeting in 1976. It is a matter of grave anxiety that torture and secret imprisonment are being used by many governments, anti-government groups, and others to extract information, to suppress criticism, and to intimidate opposition, so that throughout the world countless numbers of men, women and children are suffering inhuman treatment. We believe in the worth of every individual as a child of God, and that no circumstances whatsoever can justify practices intended to break bodies, minds and spirits. Both tortured and torturer are victims of the evil from which no human being is immune. Friends, however, believe that the life and power of God are greater than evil, and in that life and power declare their opposition to all torture. The Society calls on all its members, as well as those of all religious and other organizations, to create a force of public opinion which will oblige those responsible to dismantle everywhere the administrative apparatus which permits or encourages torture, and to observe effectively those international agreements under which its use is strictly forbidden. top
Akron Monthly Meeting October 2006
A Minute of Concern and Alarm: Beyond invoking those religious and moral principles, we also know that torture violates international law. Reports continue to reach us of incidents that follow a disturbing pattern. These actions speak louder than our government leaders' words of denial. The following two paragraphs are quoted from a letter we received this week from Kimberly Crichton, Clerk, the Peace and Social Concerns Committee, Friends Meeting of Washington (Washington, D.C): "A blanket denial 'we do not torture' can be refuted with a single case: Iraqi Major General Abed Hamed Mowhoush was beaten to death over a period of approximately twenty days first by 'Scorpions' at a CIA 'Black site' then by US military personnel going to and within Abu Ghraib. He was hung in a 'stress position' despite complaining of difficulty breathing. He was then thrown into a bag, kicked and sat upon by U.S. Personnel. His cause of death has been various reported, but probably he suffocated. Further, Major General Mowhoush was not captured on the battlefield; he surrendered because his teenage sons had been taken hostage by U.S. Military personnel and their mother told they would be killed if their father did not turn himself in. Though Major General Mowhoush did surrender, his sons were beaten, doused with water at night, and left naked." "All of these actions -- taking hostages, holding ghost prisoners, beating, subjecting to freezing, stress positions which cause suffocation -- violate the Geneva Conventions. No commander or general, no Secretary of Defense or Senator who chairs an Armed Forces Committee has been fired or voted out or prosecuted for torture. In fact, the recent 'war on terror' legislation immunizes CIA interrogators and military personnel who have participated in such acts." We implore all of our representatives, elected officials, and personnel in the field, whether military or employed by the C.I.A. to take a clear stand against all forms of torture. We must speak out again and again for the truth that makes all free. Adele Looney, Clerk, Akron Friends Meeting, Akron, Ohio top Nashville (TN) Monthly Meeting December 2006
The Nashville (TN) Monthly Meeting endorses the Quaker Initiative to End Torture (QUIT). The Meeting reaffirms its belief in the Light of God in every person. As Friends we abhor the use of torture and abuse of anyone, prisoner or other. We are committed to end our government's authorized inhumane treatment of human beings. We are called to confront the cruelty of torture and remind ourselves of Jesus's message of love. Torture steals the humanity of tortured and torturer alike and can never be justified. A good end cannot ever justify an evil means. As Friends, we must stand up and oppose the practice of torture and reaffirm humane treatment of all people. South Starksboro Monthly meeting of the Religious Society of Friends in South Starksboro, Vermont--October, 2006 The following minute was approved at a meeting for worship with a concern for business of the South Starksboro Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) on October 22, 2006: The South Starksboro Monthly meeting of the Religious Society of Friends in South Starksboro, Vermont, unites with all people of ethical or religious faith to affirm that torture is always wrong? in all circumstances, by any means, and to whatever end. We believe in that of God in each person, in the sanctity of life, and in the humane treatment of all. We call upon all those in positions of power to cease and abstain from this evil practice without delay. We hold in the Light all those who have participated in and continue to practice this grave moral and spiritual injury, as well as those who have been the victims. >Nothing less is at stake than the very soul of our nation. Let the United States of America abolish torture now? without exceptions. top
New England Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends finds torture immoral, illegal, and abhorrent. Torture- in wars, in prisons, and in homes steals the humanity of the tortured, the torturer, and those who have knowledge of it. We believe in the sanctity of life, a faith that arises from our experience that there is that of God in everyone. This Light helps us to see our face in the stranger¹s face. Fear and denial cause us to forget our deep connections with one another. Only when we are willing to surrender to the Light, individually and corporately, can we eliminate the roots of torture. New England Yearly Meeting calls upon members and monthly meetings to seek Light and act to end torture. top
Recognizing that of God in every person, we condemn the use of torture for every purpose. War and terrorism inspire fear, but retaliation and torture do not prevent war or fear or accomplish a positive end. Torture, by any means, whether direct or by proxy, is immoral. Torture demeans the humanity of the tortured, the torturer and those who have knowledge of it. It fails to defend the sanctity of life. top
Salt Lake Monthly Meeting joins Friends in other Meetings in providing a minute of support for Friends? active witness in the effort to end the use of torture in any form. Our Meeting condemns the use of torture for any reason. Torture demeans and destroys the humanity of the torturer, the tortured, and all others who are associated, directly or indirectly. Torture does not further the ends of reconciliation. Consent to the use of torture by any means, by anyone, is immoral. Torture denies the sanctity of life, and violates our belief that there is that of God in everyone. The Quaker Initiative to End Torture (QUIT) conference is a beginning step towards the end of torture. Salt Lake Monthly Meeting will provide support in the ways that we are able, and hold this initiative in the Light. top
The Sacramento Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) utterly opposes the practice of any kind of purposeful harm, torment, or torture on any person for any purpose or reason whatsoever. The Sacramento Friends Meeting stands united in moral opposition against the policies and actions of the United States government regarding torture. The United States government has sought to redefine torture to make its practice and the evidence gained thereby admissible in courts. The United States government has utilized extraordinary rendition, has fearfully compromised the integrity of United States law, due process, and habeas corpus, and has sought to compromise international agreements through its ? clarifications? and modifications of the Geneva Convention. The Sacramento Friends Meeting supports its members, Quakers worldwide, and other like-minded organizations seeking to raise awareness of policies and practices and to convince the United States government to lay down the use of torture by itself and all its agents. top
Recognizing that of God in every person, we condemn the use of torture for any purpose. War and terrorism inspire fear, but retaliation and torture do not prevent them. Torture by any means, whether direct or by proxy, is immoral. Torture demeans the humanity of the tortured, the torturer and those who have knowledge of it. It fails to defend the sanctity of life. We agree with William Penn, Quaker founder of Pennsylvania, who wrote, A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we ever do evil that good may come of it. Let the United States abolish its use of torture now. top
Pima Monthly Meeting of
the Religious Society of Friends To Those Who Represent our Nation and Friends Everywhere, Pima Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends utterly denounces all forms of torture and inhumane treatment for any purpose, at anytime and by any group of people. Torture is an instrument of human degradation and dehumanization of both the victim and the perpetrator and our concern and love go out to both. Instead of recognizing the sacredness of each human being as a child of God, torture violates the basic principle of dignity that people of all faiths hold dear. Because of the essential corrupting nature of torture, anyone who tortures others in the name of our country is essentially destroying our country, not protecting it. For by torturing, we become in a sense what we hate most, losing the struggle, surrendering to the evil we say we abhor. By answering that of God in everyone we hold in the light not only the victims, but those individuals and countries, including our own, which have participated in and continue to practice torture. We hold ourselves and our nation accountable for the torture and inhumane behaviors administered in our nation’s name and ask forgiveness for us both.
In 1949 the
Members of Pima Meeting have
participated with our local community to witness at August 2007 topetteville (NC) Friends Meeting’s Minute on Torture “Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured.” Hebrews 13:3 NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) Recognizing that of God in every person, we condemn the use of torture for any purpose by any person, group, or government. Torture by any means is immoral. It debases the humanity of the tortured, the torturer, and those who have knowledge of it. For Fayetteville, NC Monthly Meeting, torture is not a distant issue. We are located near a major hub of a growing international torture complex. Hundreds of torture flights have taken off nearby; training for the brutal techniques takes place in the region at secretive military and other facilities. Our public officials have ignored protests. The acceptance of torture is making our society an international pariah. We appeal to Friends and others everywhere to take up this concern and follow it through. Let us bear down into the work of bringing this immoral practice into the Light. Let us do all we can to bring about the day when torture is banished from our country and from our planet. June 2007 top Durham Monthly Meeting, Durham NC. Minute of Concern about Torture and Support of QUIT. (Approved by Durham Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends December 9 2007.) Durham Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is in unity on the following concern. We as Friends reaffirm our belief of that of God in everyone and abhor the torture and abuse of any people, whether prisoners, combatants or others, for any reason and in any place. We believe that torture degrades the humanity of the torturers and the moral authority of governments that pursue it. We call upon our government to reject such torture and abuse and to adhere to all international conventions regarding the human rights of detainees. We are grateful to those whose voices have been raised to call to account those actions of our government that are permitting or encouraging torture, inhuman treatment or secret imprisonment, whether in this country or another. We join with others in strongly supporting the Quaker Initiative to End Torture and the ongoing work of Friends who are working to end torture everywhere. top Crosswicks Monthly Meeting, Burlington Quarter,Philadelphia Yearly Meeting on 6th day, 1st month, 2008 Torture is widely recognized as a human rights violation, and is well-defined by such organizations as the United Nations and Amnesty International. Recognizing that of God in every person, we condemn the use of torture for any purpose. Torture by any means—whether direct or by proxy—is immoral. Torture demeans the humanity of the tortured, their torturer, and those who have knowledge of it. We agree with William Penn, Quaker founder of Pennsylvania, who wrote, “A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we ever do evil that good may come of it.” Let the United States abolish its use of torture now. Specifically, we call upon PYM to express our strong opposition to the President and Congress to abolish torture, and the heinous practice of extraordinary rendition, and to conform to international human rights guidelines. We encourage Monthly Meetings to support this minute, and encourage them to contact members of Congress and those in the Executive Branch about this concern, and to make strong statements in their respective local media.
We ask PYM-FCNL to develop materials for Monthly
Meetings (or share materials developed by others) for
both study and action in order to work toward the
elimination of torture.top
Manasquan Monthly Meeting March 16, 2008 Minute against torture Manasquan Friends Meeting is saddened by the need to draft a minute condemning torture by the US Government. We as Friends reaffirm our belief of “that of God in everyone” and abhor the torture and abuse of any people, for any reason and in any place. We join other Meetings in support for Friends’ active witness in the effort to end the use of torture. We believe torture can never be justified as a means of control or of extracting information from those deemed enemies. Torture demeans the humanity of the torturer, the tortured and all the others who are associated, directly or indirectly. It degrades the moral authority of governments that pursue it. Our government agencies and military must not train, must not order, and must not allow anyone to inflict pain or humiliation on any prisoner. The Quaker Initiative to End Torture (QUIT) is a step toward the end of torture as policy. Manasquan Meeting will hold this Initiative in the Light.
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