News From The Assembly

Disciples Vote On Resolution That Advocates Elimination Of Torture 
July 25, 2007 - Disciples News Service - Fort Worth, Texas

A sense-of-the-assembly resolution calling for the elimination of torture was adopted by the General Assembly with little debate. Most of those opposed to the resolution did not want to tie the hands of the military in its efforts to save lives.

The resolution declares that any and all use of torture is totally unacceptable – that it is contrary to the Word of God and in opposition to the foundational principles of a democratic society.

Homer Peak, of First Christian Church, Pekin, Ill., a Vietnam veteran who had undergone torture, argued against the resolution.

“How many of us are called upon to make decisions while trying to save further lives?” Peak said. “You have to make decision to protect them.  Torture is a tool in combat just like any other weapon.”  He said there are proper safeguards against torture, such as the Geneva Convention.

Jim Walker, a retired chaplain, 20-year Air Force veteran and pastor of Central Christian Church in Moberly, Mo., said torture “is so subjective.” Leaving the lights on can be considered by some as a form of torture, he said.

Hanna Bradley of Shepherd Park Christian Church in Washington, D.C., said the reality of torture “faces us every day.” 

“It’s dehumanizing, evil and against the will of God and it’s why it must stop,” she said.

Disciples are now invited to join over 15,000 individuals and more than 100 organizations – many of which are ecumenical partners - in signing a statement issued by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) that speaks against torture.

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By:  John Hotard, freelance writer