Overture 04-44. On Expressing the Desire That the Patriot Act Be Repealed—From the Presbytery of Northern New York.

The Presbytery of Northern New York overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to instruct the Stated Clerk and Moderator to express to the president of the United States and the United States Congress the desire that the Patriot Act be repealed.

Rationale

The Presbytery of Northern New York remains mindful of anxieties and genuine security needs generated by the events of 9/11/2001, but we express our deepening concern and opposition to emerging policies and practices of our government that infringe upon the rights of immigrants.

Legal aliens disappear from place of residence and work without notice.

Any person can, upon mere accusation of certain crimes, be arrested and incarcerated without representation, due process, or notice.

When anyone’s rights are infringed, everyone’s rights are infringed.

All these things are being done in the name of security and under the authority of the “Patriot Act.”

Our only true security is to be found in our relationship with God, and through that relationship our relationships with one another.