The Baltimore Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) deeply believes in the dignity and value of every human life.  This flows from our belief that there is “That of God” in every person, which is a fundamental reason for our opposition to war. 

We also believe that torture is absolutely wrong.  It is wrong to torture anyone, for any reason. Further, all people should be treated with dignity and respect.

We are, therefore especially troubled by recent legislation passed by the U.S. Congress that legitimizes and condones forms of torture used by agents of the government.

We stand firmly opposed to torture, and ask all government leaders, especially those of our country, to stop using torture in any way, for any purpose.  We utterly reject its use.

We call upon all people of faith to join us in opposition to torture, and we renew our call of August, 2005, to support the Quaker Initiative to end Torture, which will be held next June, 2007, at Guilford College.