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Wrington Branch action by christians against torture |
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Wrington Branch action by christians against torture |
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| Registered Charity No.1072628 ACAT(UK) was formed in 1984 by the then British Council of Churches, with the active support of Amnesty International. ACAT is affiliated to the International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (FiACAT) in Paris and is a "Body in Association" with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. |
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| Those attending the inaugural meeting of a Wrington branch group of ACAT, convened by Richard Dent, in All Saints', on 3rd December, 2002 | |||||||
| ACAT's aim is to work as Christians, for the abolition of torture worldwide. We seek to increase awareness in the Churches and among Christians of the widespread and evil use of torture and the need, for reasons of Christian faith, to campaign for its abolition. ACAT CAMPAIGNS Appeals for action are included in the bimonthly newsletters CASES FEATURE: Torture - Fear of torture - "disappearance" - Extra-judicial execution. Details are given together with draft letters. Appeals do make a difference. Prisoners are freed, conditions are improved. PRISONER SUPPORTSCHEME Cards and letters make such a difference to prisoners separated and probably far from family and home. They bring support and encouragement, the knowledge that someone knows and cares and that they are being upheld in prayer. Prisoner Supporters need commitment. Regular letter writing is all important, even if the prisoner does not reply. It does not mean the letter was not received. It may be costly to reply or forbidden. CHRISTMAS CARD CAMPAIGN Lists of prisoners to whom Christmas cards may be sent are included in the last Newsletter before Christmas. Members are encouraged to distribute the list among members of their local Churches. Prisoners include both Christians and non-Christians. Simple messages of greeting give support, courage and hope. They also show the authorities that the prisoners are remembered. SOS TORTURE (OMCT) World Organisation Against Torture Seeks urgent action on behalf of: Torture victims Those receiving death threats The "disappeared" Victims of extra-judicial execution Detainees, where there is a high risk of torture Appeals must be sent as soon as possible. Speed can be the difference between life and death. ACATPRAYER Prayer is a vital part of ACAT's work. It can be: It is important to pray for individuals by name. Many prisoners become aware that they are upheld in prayer and are given courage in their adversity |
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