WASHINGTON (June 5, 1998) -- Congressional hearings will help to draw attention to the victims of torture, an "issue that calls out for greater attention by all of us," according to the Bishops' advisor on international affairs.

Gerard F. Powers, Director of the U.S. Catholic Conference Office of International Justice and Peace urged public hearings to advance the cause of supporting victims of torture.

"The efforts you and others in the Congress are making in this regard are greatly to be commended," Powers said in a letter to U.S. Rep. Christopher Smith, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights.

Powers carefully noted that the USCC has not yet endorsed pending legislation known as the "Torture Victims Relief Act," but urged Smith to hold hearings on the issue in conjunction with this year's observance of "U.N. International Day in Support of Torture Victims" to "highlight this terrible scourge."

Text of Mr. Powers' letter.

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