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Action by Christians Against Torture

Welcome to acat-UK

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. 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.

Our Aims

- to work as Christians, for the abolition of torture worldwide
- to increase awareness of the widespread and evil use of torture
- to campaign for its total abolition
- to be a POWER HOUSE of Prayer

Our Work

- to to obtain information on specific examples of torture world wide
- to write letters to governments in countries where torture is practised calling for its abolition
- to support the victims of torture and ill treatment
- to pray for the tortured and the torturers
- to keep abreast of legislation relating to torture

Current Campaigns

A card is always welcome when you are a prisoner. This is particularly important at Christmas, whether the prisoner is a Christian or not! Details of the 2009 Christmas Card campaign will be available in the autumn
This scheme is an important and integral part of the work of acat-uk, can you commit to helping?
There are occasions when a swift response by letter can save a prisoner from torture and even death.

How our Campaigns Work

A major part of acat-uk’s work is campaigning on behalf of both victims of torture and those under threat of torture or death.
This falls into two parts:

Part One - Action

Members are given detailed appeals concerning victims of torture or abuse of human rights.
These include:

• facts relating to the specific case
• a draft letter to help members send appeals
• addresses both postal and if possible e-mail of the persons or organisations responsible for the alleged abuses
• addresses of embassies in the UK of the countries concerned
• when to contact your MP/MEP

Part Two - Information

To keep our members informed of developments worldwide and in individual countries our bi-monthly newsletter gives information on:

• countries where abuse of human rights are known to occur
• developments in international law to curb torture or ensure fair trials
• results of appeals sent to countries or organizations

On occasion specific campaigns may run through several issues of our newsletter.
Worship material for 60th anniverasary of UN Declaration of Human Rights(pdf)


acat(uk) - A Powerhouse of Prayer

Prayer is a vital part of our work. We pray for the tortured, those threatened with torture, their families, the torturers and for all aspects of our work. We have prayers that may be useful for private and public use, please contact us if you would like copies for use in church services or on special occasions.

Our acat(uk) prayer

Lord Jesus,

You experienced in prison the suffering and death of a prisoner of conscience.
You were plotted against, betrayed by a friend, and arrested under cover of darkness by men who came with clubs and swords.
You were tortured, beaten and humiliated, and sentenced to an agonizing death though you had done no wrong.
Be now with prisoners throughout the world.
Be with them in the darkness of the dungeon, in the loneliness of separation from those they love;
Be with them in their fear of what may come to them, in the agony of their torture and in the face of execution and death.
Stretch out your hands in power to break their chains and open the gates of freedom, so that your kingdom of justice may be established now among them.

Amen

How to Join Us

If you would like to join acat(uk), you will need to complete a Membership Form and send it to our contact address with the appropriate money. Please note we are not able to accept card payments at this time, but if you wish you can pay by standing order. If you would like to do this please fill in the form provided and send it to us with your Membership Form. Also, please remember if you Gift Aid your subscription we can claim a further 28% from the Government! To do this simply fill in and send us the Gift Aid Form below.
These forms are available to be printed out here. Alternatively, please email us and the forms you require will be sent to you.

Forms:

    Membership Form

    Standing Order Form

    Gift Aid Form

How to Contact Us

Address: acat-uk
8 Southfield
Saltash
Cornwall
PL12 4LX
Tel:01752 843417
e-Mail:uk.acat@googlemail.com
 
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