Christians Against Torture Papers

Scope and Content

The fonds comprises mainly correspondence, 1981-1999, of the Christians Against Torture Movement, including the correspondence of the Reverend Roy Jenkins, its first secretary and main founder; profiles of 'adopted' prisoners of conscience, 1982-1989; together with copies of newsletters, 1989-2000, and Robin Gwyndaf, Ai Ceidwad fy mrawd ydwyf i? (Lewis Valentine Memorial Lecture 1991).
Additional papers, 1981-2014, relating to Christians Against Torture, Wales, including minutes of the working group and steering group, 1983-2014; and papers relating to conferences, 1981-2006, and campaigns, 1991-1998. = Papurau ychwanegol, 1981-2014, yn ymwneud â Christnogion yn Erbyn Poenydio, Cymru, yn cynnwys cofnodion y pwyllgor gwaith a'r grŵp llywio, 1983-2014; a phapurau yn ymwneud â chynadleddau, 1981-2006, ac ymgyrchoedd, 1991-1998.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Christians Against Torture Movement (CAT)/Cristnogion yn Erbyn Poenydio was launched in 1981 by the Council of Churches for Wales and works closely with Amnesty International and other human rights groups. The Reverend Roy Jenkins, General Secretary of the movement, was instrumental in its foundation. CYTÛN has since taken over from the Council of Churches for Wales. It provides support for the families of prisoners of conscience through prayer and by sending Christmas cards to prisoners or their families. This was introduced in 1984. Vigils and services are arranged for Human Rights Day held on 10 December. A newsletter is published around three times a year. In 1984 the Council of Churches for Wales formed the movement Action by Christians Against Torture (ACAT) and in 1987 ten European countries and North America formed The International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (FiACAT).

Arrangement

Arranged at NLW into four series: correspondence; prisoner files; miscellaneous papers; and printed material.

Access Information

Readers consulting modern papers in the National Library of Wales are required to sign the 'Modern papers - data protection' form.

Acquisition Information

Donated by the Christians Against Torture Movement (Mudiad Cristnogion yn Erbyn Poenydio) per Mr Robin Gwyndaf, Cardiff, October 2000 and September 2015; A2000/80 and 4183014.

Note

The Christians Against Torture Movement (CAT)/Cristnogion yn Erbyn Poenydio was launched in 1981 by the Council of Churches for Wales and works closely with Amnesty International and other human rights groups. The Reverend Roy Jenkins, General Secretary of the movement, was instrumental in its foundation. CYTÛN has since taken over from the Council of Churches for Wales. It provides support for the families of prisoners of conscience through prayer and by sending Christmas cards to prisoners or their families. This was introduced in 1984. Vigils and services are arranged for Human Rights Day held on 10 December. A newsletter is published around three times a year. In 1984 the Council of Churches for Wales formed the movement Action by Christians Against Torture (ACAT) and in 1987 ten European countries and North America formed The International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (FiACAT).

Other Finding Aids

Finding aid available in hard copy at NLW.

Archivist's Note

March 2002.

Compiled by Ann Francis Evans.

The following sources were used in the compilation of this description: Gwyndaf, Robin, Ai Ceidwad fy mrawd ydwyf i? (Lewis Valentine Memorial Lecture, 1991) (Swansea, 1991); literature produced by the Society at 4/3.

Conditions Governing Use

Usual copyright laws apply.

Accruals

Accruals are possible.

Additional Information

Published