Meeting for Sufferings: Q-CAT report
Juliet Morton and Jane Laxton reported on the work of the Quaker Concern for the Abolition of Torture
‘Torture weakens the civil society that condones it’ was one of the phrases from an introduction to a report on the work of the Quaker Concern for the Abolition of Torture (Q-CAT) that resonated with representatives of Sufferings.
Juliet Morton and Jane Laxton reported on the work of Q-CAT, explained recent developments and future plans, and urged Friends to create a more broadly based concern across British Meetings.
Friends were told that torture is an ‘illegal, immoral and totally unacceptable practice’, that it is ‘not a deterrent’ and that ‘democracy depends on transparency – secrecy destroys transparency’.
Sufferings were also reminded that each individual is a child of God.
The concern against torture has been held and developed by Q-CAT for the past forty years.
Q-CAT is a separate charity with its main focus on educating Friends and others about the ban on torture and the realities of the present world situation, upholding the Quaker testimony to peace and equality and working towards healing and reconciliation.
A Friend spoke movingly of the need to address the subject of torture more tactfully. Torture does not always happen abroad. Forms of torture, she explained, are perpetrated in Britain in ‘familiar’ domestic settings every day. Domestic abuse produces enormous personal damage and emotional distress.
Q-CAT is currently developing a workshop on ‘Quakers and Torture: ten questions to get us thinking’. This will be run at Yearly Meeting and Area Meetings will then be encouraged to use it.
Other initiatives include revamping their website, developing an interactive dramatic performance, a proposed conference and updating the Q-CAT leaflet.
A concern against torture is held on behalf of the Yearly Meeting by Quaker Concern for the Abolition of Torture (Q-CAT), working within the oversight of North Wales; Wirral and Chester; and Central England Area Meetings.
Friends in all Area Meetings were encouraged to take up the concern and to work with fellow Quakers and local groups.
