A Christian 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. Today we received the following letter from the charity Action by Christians Against Torture (ACAT) offering one alternative.

It reads:

"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 torture, the threat of torture, disappearances 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 ins urgently needed in today's world. ACAT would welcome inquiries from those interested in joining its campaign."

For more information contact Eleanor Newland e-mail uk.acat@gmail.com.

Patrons of ACAT include Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Lord David Alton.