For Immediate Release: January 8, 2013
Contact: Samantha Friedman, (202) 265-3000 or
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FRIDAY: National Interfaith Coalition Holds Prayer Service Supporting Closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Center
Groups mark 11th anniversary of first detainees imprisoned at Guantanamo, repeat ask to Obama to keep his promise to shutter detention camp
Washington, D.C. – This Friday, the 11th anniversary of the day the first detainees were imprisoned at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, leaders of the diverse faith groups comprising the National Religious Campaign Against Torture will come together for an interfaith prayer service in a united call for President Barack Obama and Congress to close the detention center, which has become a symbol of U.S.-sponsored torture.
During the 2:30 p.m. interfaith prayer service at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish leaders will describe why each of their traditions opposes torture. Also, U.S. Army Capt. Jason Wright will discuss why the use of torture denies justice. Wright is a U.S. Army lawyer who was appointed by the military to defend Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
The prayer service will conclude a series of activities Friday, all part of the National Day of Action Against Guantanamo, organized by a coalition of 28 human rights and faith-based nonprofits. The earlier events include a 12 p.m. gathering in front of the Supreme Court building for a rally and a march from the Supreme Court to the White House. Jim Winkler, General Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, will address the crowd.
“Because the prison at Guantanamo Bay stands as an internationally recognized symbol of torture and our nation’s failure to respect the basic dignity inherent in all people, keeping it open does not make us safer but instead has the dangerous potential to only further inspire those who seek to harm us,” said Rev. Richard Killmer, NRCAT Executive Director. “Guantanamo endures as a legacy of a period in which our government put its fears ahead of our values. Shuttering the prison doors forever will help end that era.”
Killmer will lead the interfaith prayer service. Others who will participate include:
- Army Capt. Jason Wright, a defense attorney representing Guantanamo detainees, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
- Dr. Sayyid Syeed, National Director for the Office for Interfaith & Community Alliances, Islamic Society of North America.
- Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness
- Rachel Laser, Deputy Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
- Marie Dennis, Co-President, Pax Christi International
- Rabbi Charles Feinberg, Rabbi, Adas Israel Congregation
The Washington events are part of several NRCAT is co-sponsoring across the country, including gatherings in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
Additional information on the National Religious Campaign Against Torture’s efforts encouraging the United States government to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay is available at www.nrcat.org/close_guantanamo.
Friday’s events are open to the public and the media. Reporters should contact Samantha Friedman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (202) 215-9260. Details below:
Schedule for the day - Friday, January 11:
12 p.m. – Rally at the Supreme Court building, followed by a march to the White House
2:30 p.m. – Interfaith Service at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
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