A time comes when silence is betrayal . . . We must speak with all the humility that is appropriate to our limited vision, but we must speak. For we are deeply in need of a new way beyond the darkness so close around us.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

November 12, 2008

National Day of Witness Against Torture

On this National Day of Witness, people from around the country met with their members of Congress to encourage them to support the Declaration of Principles for an Executive Order and to convene a Select Committee of Congress to investigate the use of torture by the United States. Because of our location in the nation's capital, we had a special ability--and thus, a special responsibility--to draw attention to the Executive Order project.

We gathered at the Unity Church at 11:30 a.m., and then participated in a solemn procession down Pennsylvania Ave. to Lafayette Park in front of the White House. Representatives of over 30 congregations in the region carried banners!

When we arrived at Lafayette Park, we joined together in a brief religious ceremony, confirming our moral indignation over torture and demanding--once again--that the U.S. stop all torture and all inhuman and degrading treatment.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this inspiring and important witness!!

Reuters news story on the Day of Witness.

More from NRCAT on the National Day of Witness.