A Catholic alternative to Amnesty International
Following the decision by Amnesty International to expand its original remit as a charity focussing on the plight of prisoners of conscience around the world, to campaigning on abortion issues, thousands of Catholics and Christians of other denominations are withdrawing their support.
The charity Action by Christians Against Torture (ACAT) has suggested that former Amnesty supporters might want to join their campaign. In a statement they say: “ACAT is a registered charity and a Body in Association with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland”.
It is affiliated to the International Federation Against Torture, based in Paris. It campaigns against tortures, the threat of torture, disappearance and extra judicial executions. This is a narrower remit than Amnesty. There is a non charitable sister organisation which campaigns against the death penalty. ACAT has no policy on abortion and would endanger its charitable status if it worked in this field.
“It seems sad that Catholics who have been active in Amnesty and are committed to human rights should feel unable to continue with their campaigning. Their commitment is urgently needed in today’s world. ACAT would welcome inquires from those interested in joining its campaign.
“For more information contact Eleanor Newland, email uk.acat@gmail.com”.
Patrons of ACAT include Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Lord David Alton.
If you would like to suggest additional alternatives please write to the Westminster Record or send us an e-mail. From the October edition of Westminster Record.
PARENTAL FOLLOW-UP TO TODAY’S CHILDREN’S LITURGY: Share with your child your own faith in the resurrection and any experience that may have strengthened that faith. If the child has known a close family member who has died, share the confidence you have that, through HIs mercy, God is the God of that person, just as he is the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.
The charity Action by Christians Against Torture (ACAT) has suggested that former Amnesty supporters might want to join their campaign. In a statement they say: “ACAT is a registered charity and a Body in Association with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland”.
It is affiliated to the International Federation Against Torture, based in Paris. It campaigns against tortures, the threat of torture, disappearance and extra judicial executions. This is a narrower remit than Amnesty. There is a non charitable sister organisation which campaigns against the death penalty. ACAT has no policy on abortion and would endanger its charitable status if it worked in this field.
“It seems sad that Catholics who have been active in Amnesty and are committed to human rights should feel unable to continue with their campaigning. Their commitment is urgently needed in today’s world. ACAT would welcome inquires from those interested in joining its campaign.
“For more information contact Eleanor Newland, email uk.acat@gmail.com”.
Patrons of ACAT include Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Lord David Alton.
If you would like to suggest additional alternatives please write to the Westminster Record or send us an e-mail. From the October edition of Westminster Record.
PARENTAL FOLLOW-UP TO TODAY’S CHILDREN’S LITURGY: Share with your child your own faith in the resurrection and any experience that may have strengthened that faith. If the child has known a close family member who has died, share the confidence you have that, through HIs mercy, God is the God of that person, just as he is the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.
posted by Sinead Reekie at 9:26 am