Torture Opposition Resolution On May 27, the following resolution was passed by Presbytery. Team: Outreach Ministry Team Recommended Action:
Move that the Presbytery of Western New York adopt the following resolution: Resolution for Presbytery of Western New York
“Resolution on Human Rights in a Time of Terrorism and Torture”
BE IT RESOLVED that the Presbytery of Western New York endorse the “Resolution on Human Rights in a Time of Terrorism and Torture” as approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Presbytery condemns the use of torture and abuse, and the practice of extraordinary rendition, of any prisoners held any place in the world, whether by agencies, employees or agents of the United States government, or of foreign governments, or by civilian or combatant groups of any description; and be it further
RESOLVED that this Presbytery calls upon all executive, legislative and judicial officials or representatives, or their appointees or employees, who represent the seven counties generally considered to represent Western New York – (1) to renounce and call for the cessation of any such practices, so that our nation and its peoples—and all nations and all peoples of the world—will be in compliance with “The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,” to which the United States is a signatory, and (2) to enact legislation and policies to prevent the use of these practices both domestically and abroad, and be it further
RESOLVED that this Presbytery call upon its congregations and its members, through study and worship, to recognize our collective complicity—active or passive—in succumbing to cultural forces that degrade our holy creation and our communion with God, that we may give grateful practice to our salvation in both word and in deed.
Submitted by
The Peacemaking Funding Subcommittee of the Outreach Ministry Team of the Presbytery of Western New York. EXPLANATION
The 217th General Assembly (2006) of the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.) approved the “Resolution on Human Rights in a Time of Terrorism and Torture” (Minutes, 2006, Part 1.pp.50.51; 867-876) and in Article 5 of the resolution “Encourage[d] members, sessions, presbyteries and synods to pray for all the victims of human rights abuse and those who persecute them, particularly in their observance of Human Rights Day (each December 10), to seek ways to assist those victims and prevent further abuse of others;…”
Clearly, the General Assembly has called for an active prayer ministry of works as well as words to heal a broken world. As Christians, we are well aware from the life and death of our risen Lord, Jesus the Christ, that innocent people may be and are arrested in secret, abused in captivity, tried without counsel, and tortured, even unto death, to protect a social reality that too often promotes the powerful and denies the poor.
Every time the Church recites the Nicene Creed, we confess that our Lord Jesus Christ was a victim of state-sponsored torture: "For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried." The author of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3, NIV).
Remembering our Lord's suffering for us we commit ourselves in our baptismal covenant "to strive for justice and peace among all people", and to "respect the dignity of every human being". The use of torture is manifestly contrary to Christian faith and teaching. It maims the body and mind of the victim, it disfigures the soul and the psyche of the perpetrator; it haunts the agonized acquiescence of the bystander.
As Christians, we are called to free victims from their prisons of unjust persecution; we are called to free perpetrators and policy makers from their prisons of uncontrolled power; we are called to free bystanders from their prisons of uncomfortable passivity.
“We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord…and we pray that all unity may one day be restored…And they’ll know we are Christians by our love [in prayer, and in study, and in deed].” * Indeed! (*We are One in the Spirit, Peter Scholte, 1966.) Background and rationale:
The 2006 (217th) General Assembly approved a “Resolution on Human Rights in a Time of Terrorism and Torture.” The resolution encouraged members, sessions, presbyteries, and synods to be concerned for the victims of abuse and for those who persecute them. Similarly, the local Episcopal Diocese of Western New York passed a resolution against torture last fall. Given the seriousness of the matter to individuals, communities, and world peace, it seems incumbent on our Presbytery to face this issue as well. Coherence with Presbytery Vision and Strategy:
The vision of Presbytery calls for living as disciples of Jesus Christ, and for practicing hospitality in the church and the world, both of which are impossible if abuse and torture be tolerated or ignored. Prior Consultation with Affected Parties:
Mr. Henry has reviewed the General Assembly resolution, and the Episcopal Diocese one, as well as being familiar with the extent to which human rights violations and torture are happening, including in places controlled by our governments. The resolution was considered and approved by the Peacemaking sub team and by OMT. Funding: None Implementation:
If approved, the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery will communicate this resolution to the members of the Western New York Congressional delegation, to the President of the United States, and to other political leaders. The Outreach Ministry Team will bring the resolution to the attention of the churches of this Presbytery, to the media, and to others as it may deem appropriate. Criteria for Measuring Progress:
The OMT can ascertain by responses from political leaders, from the reaction of the media, and from our churches and members whether the resolution has had an impact. OMT will welcome such responses and may solicit them.
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