The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) has a variety resources for faith communities to use during Torture Awareness Month, June. On June 26, 1987, the nations of the world took a major step against the immoral and abhorrent practice of torture. On that day, the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT for short) entered into force. On this page, you’ll find resources for incorporating the issue of torture in a worship service and for fostering dialogue in an interfaith gathering.
Below are interfaith, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian resources as well as sermon notes. To submit your own prayers, sermons, and reflections, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 202-547-1920.
For more ways to get your congregation involved during Torture Awareness month, see our activities ideas page.
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Lessons from sacred texts - Religious foundations for Christian, Jewish and Muslim efforts to end torture. “On Torment” a reflection by J.D. Gore "Interfaith Prayer" by Bishop Stephen Charleston. "A Litany for Repenting and Repairing a Legacy of Torture" by Rev. Ken Sehested |
Close Guantanamo talking points for a sermon or speech. "Jewish Sermon Notes on Torture" by Rabbi Rachel Gartner. |
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"Jewish Sermon Notes on Torture" by Rabbi Rachel Gartner. "Misheberach for Victims of Torture" written by Rabbi Gilah Langner. "For the Sin of Torture by Americans" by Rabbi Simcha Y. Weintraub. "Hashkiveinu: Asking God to Shelter with the Promise of Peace for All Those Who Suffer" a prayer for victims of torture by Rabbi Ed Feld. Additional prayers from T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights Divrei Torah from T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights |
"Islam Condemns Torture" a Khutba (sermon) by Sheikh Abdool Rahman Khan. |
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| "Buddhist Peace Prayer" by Brian Vaugh for NRCAT’s Countdown to End Torture, January 2009. | ||
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| Prayers
"Christian Worship Resources for Torture Awareness Month" a collection provided by NRCAT. "Christian Prayer" by Rev. Brian D. McLaren "Guantánamo Brothers, Forgive Us" by Sister Dianna Ortiz, Center of Concern. "The Church Responds to Torture," a comprehensive resource from No2Torture and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, PC(USA), that includes prayers and other worship resources. "Prayers on Stopping Torture" from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, PC(USA). "Stopping Torture as a Human Rights Issue - An Order of Worship for Human Rights Day: December 10, 2006" from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, PC(USA). "A prayer for our nation" by Kermit Johnson, from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. "Prayer of Confession for Sins Committed in Our Name" by Pastor Jim Peck, Congregational Church of Chico UCC, Chico, CA. "Prayer Service for International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture (June 26)" from No2Torture and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, PC(USA). "Who Are We Really? Breaking with the Past to Become God's Children" a sermon by Gay Gardner delivered at Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale, Virginia. |
Sermons
"The Tortured Body: a Meditation on the Eucharist" by Rebecca Gordon. "Torture: Morality and Accountability" by Thomas Ewell, preached January 10, 2010 at Unitarian-Universalist Meeting House, Whidbey Island, WA. "Will Heal" by Rev. Adam Blons, preached June 14, 2009 at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, CA "Being Outraged" by Pastor Jim Peck, preached May 3, 2009 at Congregational Church of Chico UCC, Chico, CA. "Breaking with the Past" by Quentin Chin, preached on Reformation Sunday, October 26, 2008 in Plainfield, MA. "On Not Taking Vengeance Against Our Enemies" by Tom F. Driver, first preached in Old Parish Church, Sheffield, MA, 08/31/08. "Torture IS a Moral Issue" by Reverend Rich Lang, Washblog, 07/05/08. "Done to the Least of These" by Rev. Barbara Green, delivered in Houston, TX, October 2006. "Resistance" by Rev. Scott Alexander, River Road Unitarian Church, 6/4/06. "Who is Jesus Christ for Us Today?" by Dr. George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary, 5/1/06. |
Return to the list of all Torture Awareness Month activities.
