Interfaith Conference against Torture to be Held at Princeton Seminary

Organizers of an interfaith conference will launch a national religious campaign against torture at Princeton Theological Seminary in January.

The national gathering, entitled “Theology, International Law, and Torture: A Conference on Human Rights and Religious Commitment,” will bring religious leaders of different faiths, law experts, and human rights advocates to Princeton, N.J., on Jan. 13-15.

According to the Rev. Dr. George Hunsinger, Convener of the Conference and a Professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, the goal of the conference is “to launch a national religious campaign against torture, and to educate and empower religious communities across the U.S. to become involved in this critical moral and spiritual issue.”

“While some progress has been made with the recent passage of the McCain amendment, it is sadly surrounded by loopholes that will allow torture by the U.S. to continue,” Hunsinger said in a press statement. “Already Attorney General Gonzales has defined 'torture' as taking place only when harm near to death is inflicted. A companion amendment that also passed will effectively exempt the detainees at Guantanamo Bay from any legal protection under the ban.

“Moreover, the McCain provision is tied to the Army Field Manual, which is now being revised to permit many forms of interrogation formerly considered torture, or cruel and inhumane treatment,” he added.

The three-day conference is co-sponsored by Church Folks for a Better America, the Peace Action Education Fund of the Coalition for Peace Action, the Churches’ Center for Theology and Public Policy, and Human Rights First.

“This event is an effort to unify and mobilize religious communities on a fundamental issue of faith and morality: torture,” said the Rev. Robert Moore, Executive Director of the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action, one of the Conference’s co-sponsors.

“Every person is created in the image of God and thereby has a fundamental dignity that forbids torture of any person,” he continued. “This conference will bring together an extraordinary range of religious leaders and top experts on human rights to launch a campaign aimed at strongly addressing this basic issue.”

Among the featured voices at the conference are Mark Danner, author of “Torture and Truth;” James Yee, former Muslim Chaplain at Guantanamo Bay; Sr. Dianna Ortiz, a torture survivo; Rabbi Edward Feld, Jewish Theological Seminary; and Admiral John Hutson, retired Judge Advocate General.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.