WASHINGTON, DC – In light of the Christmas Day bomber incident, Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture has released the following statement:

“These are challenging times.  Our country faces very real security threats.  As we respond to these threats it is important to remember that torture is always wrong – our faiths, our history, and our traditions teach us that. 

The detention center at Guantanamo Bay is the symbol of our country’s violation of our deepest values.  Closing it is necessary to put an end to a dark chapter in our nation’s history.

Its use as a symbol has inspired extremists to commit acts of terror against American soldiers and American civilians.  The techniques that were used there radicalized some inmates, and prevented the successful prosecution of others.  We must close Guantanamo now.

We, as a nation, need to have the moral courage to do what is right even when we experience fear and uncertainty.  We must not let terrorists weaken our commitment to our deepest values.”

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, more than 260 religious groups have joined NRCAT, including representatives from the Roman 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.