From Deseret News archives:
Religions decry use of torture
Utah leaders sign petition; LDS issue own statement
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not a part of the collective call but issued its own statement Wednesday when asked for comment. The church "condemns inhumane treatment of any person under any circumstances," said church spokesman Dale Bills. "The church has not taken a position on any proposed legislative or administrative actions regarding torture."
By contrast, a Utah interfaith statement calls on Congress and President Bush to "rule out 'any and all use of torture' of war prisoners as an option for the U.S. government or its agents." It affirmed a similar statement issued Nov. 9 by the National Council of Churches stating, "Torture turns its face against the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). It denies the preciousness of human life and the dignity of every human being by reducing its victims to the status of despised objects, no matter how noble the cause for which it is employed."
"We believe that all of our faith traditions can uphold the same intent to 'love our neighbors as ourselves,' a common thread found in nearly every world religion," the statement said. It included signatures from 41 religious leaders representing 14 different faith groups, including Episcopalians, Catholics, Muslims, Baptists, Presbyterians, Disciples of Christ, Unitarians, the United Church of Christ, the Church of Religious Science, Quakers, Disciples of Christ, Seventh Day Adventists and Utah Pagan Clergy.
The Rev. Dan Webster, spokesman for the Episcopal Diocese of Utah and one of the signatories, said when the National Council of Churches sent out its news release regarding torture, it piqued some interest within the diocese. "I showed it to Bishop (Carolyn Tanner) Irish and said maybe we should send it around and see if there are those who agree. We did that, and you have it now."
The petition was sent to local members of the Interfaith Roundtable, including the Public Affairs office of the LDS Church, Webster said. Though it involves a national and international issue, rather than something specifically local, Webster said "many faith traditions are concerned about the inhumanity of torture in how it relates to us as a country, but also how it relates to us as human beings."
Comments
- Sports on the air 1:21 a.m.
- 2009 MLS Cup recap 12:45 a.m.
- MLS Cup winners, MVPs 12:41 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 12:36 a.m.
- Paper circulation worse than it looks 12:28 a.m.
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks 12:22 a.m.
- Editorial: Cancer screening 12:15 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:15 a.m.
- Treat teachers with respect, trust 12:15 a.m.
- 'Reform' helps old, hurts young 12:15 a.m.
- BYU records with win
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
202 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
191 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
130 - BYU records with win
129 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
That game was amazing! I think this will really help the sport grow in Utah....
Congrats on a great win. Utah as a whole should be proud not just of a major...
Congrats Real Salt Lake! but, they aren't the first major sports team to...
I told ALL of you how much i liked NED Pure irony his contributions vs x...
this is to NevadaUTE @ 10:25!!! I love soccer, I love Real and it brought a...
wow!!! amazing. UTAH JAZZ DO SOMETHING!!!
So much fear and anger from Beck lovers. You all lost the last election, we...
This is the most emotion I have had watching a sporting event since my...
Nicky Rimando is my hero! I love that guy. He has had his detractors, but...
Two stars means nothing! We played as a team and it showed! I'm still in...



You can be the first to comment on this story.