26/06/2013
A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the Revd Frank Sellar.
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Rev Frank Sellar
Good morning If many of us think about torture at all, we may consider it to be something that happened in the Middle Ages, something that can on occasions, even be the topic of humour as in some British cinema farces. But there is really nothing funny or medieval about torture. On this United Nations International Day in support of victims of Torture, we need to know that torture is currently used in more than 100 countries throughout the world.
Torture can include many forms of suffering, both physical and psychological. Most techniques seek to prolong the victim’s pain and fear as long as possible without leaving visible evidence, and can include beatings, electric shocks, stretching, submersion, suffocation, burning, and sexual assault. Anyone can become a victim of torture, regardless of age, gender, religion, social class, ethnicity or level of education. And if we believe that all human beings are made in God’s image and worthy of honour, then torture is also an insult to Him who creates us and loves us.
By designating the 26th of June as a day to stand against torture, the United Nations is making a statement that all forms of degrading treatment or punishment are absolutely abhorrent.
So then let us pray all who suffer today at the hands of governments or groups that use the infliction of pain on others for their own twisted purposes.
Heavenly Father; we acknowledge that Christ himself was humiliated and ill-treated at the hands of evil men. We pray for strength for those who are damaged and disturbed as victims. Come to the aid of those who suffer and grant opportunity for repentance to those who inflict wounds and all we ask is for Jesus’ sake, AmenBroadcast
- Wed 26 Jun 2013 05:43Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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