U.S. Bishops Meet 'Highest Ethical Standards' for Treatment of Prisoners

[Omaha Steve]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=72554

U.S. Bishops Urge Congress to Meet 'Highest Ethical Standards' for Treatment of Prisoners

9/15/2006 4:39:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: John Gehring of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 202-541-3202 or 410-302-3792 (home)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Bishop Thomas Wenski, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' international policy committee, has urged U.S senators considering legislation on the creation of military commissions and amendments to the War Crimes Act to uphold international standards for ethical treatment of prisoners.

"A respect for the dignity of every person, ally or enemy, must serve as the foundation of security, justice and peace," Bishop Wenski wrote today in a letter to senators. "There can be no compromise on the moral imperative to protect the basic human rights of any individual incarcerated for any reason."

In his letter, Bishop Wenski notes that the United States has long supported Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits "cruel treatment and torture" as well as "outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment."

"Our own troops and citizens benefit from the protection of this standard," Bishop Wenski said. "As events continue to unfold in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, we recognize that combating terrorism remains a top priority for Congress and the Administration. We also recognize, however, that any report of prisoner mistreatment by members of the armed forces of the United States or its allies could seriously undermine U.S efforts to defeat terrorism."

FULL story and letter at link above.

[pinto]

1. Good to hear. They get it right sometimes.

"A respect for the dignity of every person, ally or enemy, must serve as the foundation of security, justice and peace," Bishop Wenski wrote today in a letter to senators. "There can be no compromise on the moral imperative to protect the basic human rights of any individual incarcerated for any reason."

[ShortnFiery]

2. Wow! Is there trouble in paridise?

The love affair between the RW Catholics and Dear Leader coming to an end if Bush insists on his way of Torture for alleged terrorists?

Hum ... There is trouble in paradise! :-)

[SpiralHawk]

3. I urge the Bishops to meet the "highest ethical standards" with children

who come to them and their priests for spiritual guidance.