For Immediate Release: March 10, 2011
Contact: Alanna Sobel, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (202) 265-3000

Today, Rep. Peter King (NY-3) held the first in what he has said will be a series of hearings into the “radicalization of the American Muslim community” and its alleged unwillingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to stop terrorism. In response to the hearing, Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), issued this statement:

“It is unfortunate that instead of holding a hearing on how to combat all sources of violence and terror, Rep. King has instead chosen to single out a particular faith community as responsible for terrorism. Despite protestations to the contrary, the focus of this hearing was on Muslims and the implication was that terrorism results from Islam. This is wrong. Terrorist organizations can come from various faiths – one example is the KKK, which has a long history of terrorizing U.S. citizens. We believe that Rep. King’s hearing should have focused on all sources of violence and terror. Congress should work to bring Americans of all faiths together in the effort to combat terrorism, not to divide us along sectarian lines.

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, 300 religious groups 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.