Episcopal leaders oppose Patriot Act

Christian Century, June 28, 2003

Adminstrative leaders of the Episcopal Church say new antiterrorism legislation threatens to undo civil liberties and discriminates against Muslims. The church's 38-member Executive Council, which functions as a board of directors, has unanimously approved a resolution condemning the USA Patriot Act and opposing "any further expansion or extension" of the controversial law.

The antiterrorism bill threatens "our nation's revered and fundamental respect for civil liberties" and has created a "climate of fear, mistrust, suspicion and alienation" among immigrants and minorities, the board said. The law was passed in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks and grants greater surveillance powers to federal authorities, automatically detains asylum seekers and limits legal contact for accused terrorists.

Almost 100 cities and counties have passed resolutions condemning the legislation, concerned that it lays the foundations for a police state.

Assistant Attorney General Viet Dinh defended the law, telling Time magazine recently that "security is the means by which we achieve our fundamental freedoms."

The Episcopal resolution "expresses solidarity with members of the Islamic faith whose loyalty to the United States has been amply demonstrated by their participation in our society as law-abiding residents."