Torture is a Moral Issue Sign the Statement of Conscience
What is NRCAT

IN THIS SECTION

Who are We?

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, over 250 religious groups have joined NRCAT, including representatives from the Roman Catholic, evangelical Christian, mainline Protestant, Orthodox Christians, Unitarian, Quaker, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh communities. Members include national denominations and faith groups, regional organizations and congregations. Click here for a complete list of NRCAT members.

Mission Statement: "Torture is a Moral Issue" 

Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions, in their highest ideals, hold dear. It degrades everyone involved -- policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable.

Nothing less is at stake in the torture abuse crisis than the soul of our nation. What does it signify if torture is condemned in word but allowed in deed? Let America abolish torture now -- without exceptions.

Goals of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

NRCAT’s goals are:

1. Bring about changes in U.S. policy to prohibit -- without exception -- all U.S.-sponsored torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees. These policies must include:

  • Prohibiting any exemption from or exception to U.S. adherence to the human rights standards of international law - without exception;
  • Prohibiting the practice of apprehending suspects and transporting them to countries that use torture as an interrogation technique;
  • Prohibiting the existence or use of secret prisons for U.S. detainees anywhere in the world;
  • Mandating access by the International Committee of the Red Cross to all U.S. detainees around the world;
  • Restoring habeas corpus protection for all U.S. detainees, citizen and non-citizen alike;
  • Prohibiting the use of evidence derived from torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment (including hearsay evidence) in the determination of guilt or innocence of a charged offense;
  • Initiating an independent investigation of the role of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees under U.S. custody and control after September 11, 2001.

2. Expand the moral consensus among the American people that torture is never acceptable.

3. Encourage and enable national denominations, faith groups, national and regional religious organizations, congregations, and individual people of faith to engage actively in efforts to end U.S.-sponsored torture including educating the public about torture and detainee treatment and urging the public to end U.S.-sponsored torture.