We live in an era when fear and anger have eroded the common concern for human life and human dignity. Too often lines are drawn between people of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures, and some use those lines in an attempt to justify killing, torture, and other immoral acts of brutality.

Torture harms not only those who are tortured; it also damages the souls of those who torture and of those who turn aside and allow people to be tortured.

As a new administration comes into power, and our country reflects on the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Prison at Guantanamo Bay, we must stand united and declare that torture, in all its forms, is unacceptable. Rev. John Dorhauer, UCC General Minister and President, joined interfaith leaders in calling on President-Elect Trump to defend people from torture, genocide, and other assaults on human dignity. Now it is your turn to act.

Sign The Pledge & Take A Stand Against Torture:

To: President Donald J. Trump

We stand together in a shared belief in the God-given dignity of each person and the conviction that America should reject the forces that divide people and should protect those who are at risk of torture, rape, genocide, and other violations of human dignity. Our faith traditions teach us that standing up for the vulnerable and those in need is at integral to the well-being of our shared community. We believe that our country should champion democracy and rule of law both here and abroad.

We were glad to hear Administration nominees during Senate confirmation hearings, including Sen. Sessions and Rep. Pompeo, affirm the illegality of using torture and specific techniques like waterboarding. We look forward to seeing these words put into action with continued prohibition of the use of torture.

As you begin your presidency, we call on you to protect American values like democracy, freedom of religion, and rule of law, and that you will defend people from torture, genocide, and other assaults on human dignity.