wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Religious groups plan civil liberties support

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Note #7958 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Religious groups plan civil liberties support
03420
October 2, 2003

Religious groups plan civil liberties support

Washington-based event slated later in October

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - A broad coalition of religious groups has announced plans for a
"Witness for Civil Liberties Weekend" Oct. 24-26 to express its determination
"to protect civil liberties amidst growing concerns about the erosion of
rights under U.S. anti-terrorism efforts."

	According to organizers, the event "is a designated time for
Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faith traditions to reflect, educate and
inform people about the importance of protecting civil liberties,
particularly since Oct. 26 marks the second anniversary of the passage of the
USA Patriot Act." It is also the last day before the Muslim holiday, Ramadan.

	Announcement of the event came as the FBI launched its Terrorist
Screening Center. Rob Cavenaugh, director of the Washington office of the
Unitarian Universalist Association and chair of the witness asked, "How many
innocent people will be caught in this web and what are the safeguards in
place to get them out?	These are the questions that must be answered."

	The group - which includes the National Council of Churches, the
Unitarians, the Interfaith Alliance, the American Friends Service Committee,
the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the Islamic Society of North
America and the Mennonite Central Committee -  "is calling on people of faith
to take action to make sure that the fundamental freedoms affirmed and
celebrated in the United States are secured for all people."

	Further, the group said, "concerned about harassment and denial of
fair and equal treatment to innocent people, the campaign is advocating for
tighter controls on current anti-terrorism efforts.  It is calling for the
highest standard of scrutiny of laws and policy changes related to civil
liberties."

	The weekend's activities include an email campaign to Congress and
the White House on Friday, Oct. 24. National sponsors are also asking
religious leaders to disseminate information, hold discussions and other
forums and map out strategies for interacting with government officials
"about the critical need for the United States to strike a balance between
national security concerns and the rights and freedoms of its residents."

	Congregations and organizations interested in participating in
"Witness for Civil Liberties Weekend" should go to
www.witnessforcivilliberties.org for more information or call (202) 296-4672,
ext. 15.

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