Resolution Number 1
2008 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Assembly
"A RESOLUTION CONCERNING TORTURE"
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WHEREAS we believe that all people are created in God’s image; and
WHEREAS we further believe that human dignity is defined by the cross of Christ; and
WHEREAS the ELCA opposes genocide and other grievous violations of human dignity such as
torture, religious and racial oppression, forced conscription, forced labor and war crimes (ELCA
Social Statement, “For Peace in God’s World”); and
WHEREAS “the Church is the school of the Holy Spirit” who molds and equips us to hold
power accountable, advocate justice, stand with those who are poor and vulnerable, provide
sanctuary, and meet human need (ELCA Social Statement, “For Peace in God’s World”); and
WHEREAS it has been documented that sadistic, blatant and wanton acts of abuse and torture
were committed by United States soldiers against Iraq detainees being held in a prison in Abu
Gharib in 2003; and
WHEREAS C.I.A. Director, General Michael Hayden, admitted in a February 5, 2008 hearing
of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that waterboarding had been used on three
detainees held in secret custody at the U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay; and
WHEREAS good and evil are intricately interwoven in the interplay of life and will therefore
continue to be interwoven in U.S. military presence in the Middle East; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the congregations of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod be encouraged to
use in their assemblies of worship a language of prayer that promotes the respect and dignity of
all people, love of enemies included; and be it further
RESOLVED that the congregations of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod encourage their
members to write elected officials stating their express expectations that our country reclaim
moral leadership in complying with the treaties of the Geneva Conventions and with the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and be it further
RESOLVED that congregations of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod discourage
inflammatory rhetoric within their midst and, instead, encourage open dialogue about our
military involvement in the world.
Submitted by,
Rev. Lon Bechtel
King of Glory Lutheran Church
3430 N. Maple Grove Road
Boise, Idaho
February 8, 2008
Resolution Passed (SA08.04.03 with amendment SA08.04.04)
2008 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Assembly - April 18, 2008