National Religious, Military, and Political Leaders Appear in Full-Page Des Moines Register Ad Opposing Torture

With shocking and new revelations about torture coming out of Washington daily, National Religious Campaign Against Torture calls torture “the most important issue we have to face as a nation”

Thursday, December 13, 2007

WASHINGTON – Forty-eight prominent Americans, including President Jimmy Carter, former New Jersey governor Thomas Kean, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson (former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell), Rev. Jim Wallis, and Dr. Rick Warren, will appear in a full-page ad in the Des Moines Register on Sunday, December 16 sponsored by the National Religious Coalition Against Torture (NRCAT) Action Fund. Headlined, “Torture is a Moral Issue,” the ad comes out at a time when torture is at the forefront of the national debate.

This ad was produced in partnership with Evangelicals for Human Rights. Evangelical signatories on the ad include Dr. David P. Gushee, President, Evangelicals for Human Rights; Rev. Richard Cizik, Vice President for Governmental Affairs, National Association of Evangelicals; and Dr. Rick Warren.

The ad declares, in part, “[Torture] degrades everyone involved – policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation’s most cherished values. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable.”

“With reports about the CIA destroying evidence of torture breaking out of Washington, it is a critical time to address this pressing moral issue,” said Linda Gustitus, president of the NRCAT board and Iowa resident. “Torture is, without a doubt, the most important issue we have to face as a nation. It must be abolished immediately and should never be a part of our nation’s policies or practices in the future.”

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, over 130 religious groups have joined NRCAT, including representatives from the Roman Catholic, evangelical Christian, mainline Protestant, Unitarian, Quaker, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities. Members include national denominations and faith groups, regional organizations and congregations.

Iowa spokespeople available for discuss the ad:

Linda Gustitus, President of the Board, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, currently living in Princeton, IA

Pastor Kirsten Klepfer, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell, IA

To schedule an interview with Ms. Gustitus or Rev. Klepfer, please contact Steve Fox at 202-822-5200.

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CONTACT: Katie Barge -- 202-243-8289, kbarge@faithinpubliclife.org Steve Fox -- 202-822-5200, x234