From National Religious Campaign Against Torture(Washington, D.C.) Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture released the following statement today reiterating that despite claims to the contrary, the U.S. torture program has not been vindicated by the death of Osama Bin Laden: "The architects of the United States torture polices will stop at nothing in their attempt to defend the indefensible. Torture is always wrong and immoral. Torture has not been vindicated; it is a stain on America's promise and cost us the good will of many who could have helped us locate bin Laden years earlier. "The world community recognizes that torture is always morally wrong and illegal; the United States has agreed. Torture debases the persons tortured, as well as the torturers, and it violates the basic tenets of all major religions. "The claims made by the proponents of the torture program prove the compelling need for the establishment of a government-sponsored Commission of Inquiry with full subpoena power to let the public know the full extent and consequences of the torture program. Nothing is more important for the soul of America at this time than an unrestricted and comprehensive review of the U.S. torture program."
The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is a growing membership organization committed to ending U.S.-sponsored torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Since its formation in January 2006, more than 300 religious organizations have joined NRCAT, including representatives from the Catholic, evangelical Christian, mainline Protestant, Unitarian Universalist, Quaker, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Baha'i, Buddhist, and Sikh communities. Members include national denominations and faith groups, regional organizations and local congregations.