Torture is the worst agony that one human being can inflict on another. Whether physical or psychological, torture is destructive of the human spirit for both the tortured person and the torturer. As people of faith, we believe that each human being is made in the image and likeness of God. When someone tortures another child of God, they torture Christ.

The Conference Ministers of the New England Region (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) in a May, 2008, Pastoral Letter call on the “clergy and members of United Church of Christ congregations in our six New England Conferences, to join with us in this witness to abolish US-sponsored torture.” 

The Connecticut Conference adopted a Resolution against torture in 2006. New Hampshire is considering a similar Resolution.

These conferences and other individuals, congregations, associations, and conferences within the UCC are joining the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) to work to end U.S.-sponsored torture. UCC General Minister and President, Rev. John H. Thomas, endorsed the campaign, as have many other religious leaders.

We invite you, your congregation, association, and conference to sign the Statement of Conscience Against Torture and act to end the evil of torture.

Endorse The Statement of Conscience Against Torture : Act to End Torture