United Methodists Do Not Torture


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Tell President Bush United Methodists Do Not Torture!


... the mistreatment or torture of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs.

Book of Discipline (2004)


United Methodists Do Not Torture

It is crucial for people of faith to remind the President that the United Methodist Book of Discipline clearly states that "the mistreatment or torture of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs." (BOD 164-A).

Torture has to stop throughout the world, but the United States is unable to effectively lead the fight against such brutality until the U.S. has repented of engaging in actions of torture.

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Recent News

  • Torture is wrong
  • Not ambiguous moral issue

  • 2 United Methodist pastors condemn U.S. use of torture.


  • Resolutions address injustices
  • Hate crimes, living wage, torture addressed

  • Resolutions adopted by the United Methodist Church's highest policy-making body touch on a variety of social justice issues.


  • Torture
  • The Church Can Help Survivors

  • Churches can play an important role in the fight against the inhumanity of torture, both through providing a supportive faith community and public advocacy to stop it.


  • Quote of the Week
  • “To stand against torture and arbitrary detention is not to be squeamish. It is to be civilized.”




  • No Mans Land
  • What United Methodists Should Know About Guantanamo

  • Angela Campbell is an Iowan, public defender, and United Methodist, who volunteered to protect the rights of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.


  • NCC recommends video on secret detention and torture
  • Copies available to congregations

  • "These stories are hard to watch," says Rev. Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches USA describing Outlawed: Extraordinary Rendition, Torture and Disappearances in the 'War on Terror'.


  • Torture is a Moral Issue
  • It Denies God's Image in Human Beings and Subverts God's Redemptive Plan
  • Through the Social Principles, our church has stated that: [T]he mistreatment or torture of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs.” (¶164A) Register your opposition to current bills in the U.S. Congress that seeks to redefine, by "clarifying" the Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention.

  • Say NO to Torture
  • The GBCS governing board adopted a resolution in October 2005 stating, “The torture of prisoners violates the humanity of both the tortured and the torturer.” 

  • Word from Winkler
  • Keep Watch

  • I suppose, like me, you are concerned about the recent revelations of torture and spying.

Advocacy Tools

Send a letter to Preseident Bush

On Friday, March 10th we sent an official letter to President Bush with all 1700+ signatures. We invite you to send a letter as well! You can send an emai, fax or letter to Bush reminding him that torture is unacceptable.

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The UMC is an active member of NRCAT.

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This Week's Issue:

August 15, 2008

FIA Editor: Wayne Rhodes

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