The US bishops, in collaboration with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, have released a helpful study guide titled, Torture Is a Moral Issue: A Catholic Study Guide.
The 39-page booklet is thorough and helpful. It offers many quotes which relate church teaching to the difficult issue of torture. It also offers discussion questions and items for reflection. Each of the chapters concludes with a prayer. The document closes with a copy of the letter sent by the bishops to the US Senate supporting US commitment to preserving the humane and ethical treatment of detainees.
This is a timely resource given recent news stories and discussions about the rights of prisoners and the responsibilities of captors, especially with respect to prisoners in Guantanamo and also stories of past incidents in Iraq.
