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ORGANISATIONS
Arigatou Foundation - Global Network of Religions for Children
- The Arigatou Foundation is an international faith-based NGO whose mission is to create a better environment for all children of the world in working for the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It provides training and education on children’s rights.
Areas of expertise:
- Children and violence
- Rights-based programming
- Minority or indigenous children
- Children and the media
- Children and participation
- Children and education
World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) WCRP is a multi-faith religious organisation which promotes peace through religious cooperation and dialogue. WCRP has members in over 100 countries. Contact information for Regional Offices: Click here
A Multi-Religious Commitment to End Violence against Children
The World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) in partnership with UNICEF convened a global consultation of religious leaders and experts in Toledo, Spain. Participants from 30 countries representing many faiths pledged support for the UN Global Study on Violence against Children. The conference produced a Declaration entitled "A Multi-Religious Commitment to Confront Violence against Children" which was endorsed at the 8th World Assembly of Religions for Peace in Kyoto, Japan, in August 2006. It states:
"We call upon our governments to adopt legislation to prohibit all forms of violence against childen, including corporal punishment, and to ensure the effective implementation of these laws and to ensure that religious communities participate formally in these mechanisms."
Click here to download the Kyoto Statement
FAITH GROUPS
Buddhism
The basic tenets of Buddhism are completely against imposing pain on others and there is no room for violence in the Dharma (teachings of Buddha). Buddhism is concerned with the welfare of all beings. Sigâlovâda Sutta makes the point that if everyone develops compassion, mutual respect, courtesy (sammânanâya) and loving kindness (mettâ) children will not suffer corporal punishment.
Bhutan
Bhuddist values and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Click here for copy
The child is at the heart of Bhutan’s development. UNICEF Bhutan has translated the guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into a Mandala – blending the Buddhist approach to life with the basic framework of the UNCRC. “Developing a child is like building a healthy nation” said Chief Justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye. The three pillars of the UNCRC – non-discrimination, the best interest rule and participation – are inherent in Bhutan’s Buddhist values. These social values protect the dignity, the equality and the fundamental rights of the child.” Source UNICEF (check ref)
In Sanskrit ‘mandala’ means circle or centre. The centre is the abode of the deity, and in this case the child is placed in the centre surrounded by a series of circles and squares symbolising the provisions and principles of the Convention. The mandala is traditionally a symbol used for concentrating the mind so that it can pass beyond superficial thoughts and focus more precisely on valued concepts progressing toward enlightening the mind. Using the mandala in this context helps
A Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama
for the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children
Christianity
Christians believe human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and look to the example of Jesus to live their lives. Jesus always treated the vulnerable with love and compassion.
All the recorded encounters between Jesus and children were kind, gentle and respectful, and his reported words about causing children to stumble (Matthew 18:6), and the consequences for doing so are amongst the strongest in the New Testament. Children were central to the new social order Jesus initiated. When he set a little child in the midst of the disciples and said “The kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14) he demonstrated enormous regard for children. Scripture should always be read in the light of Jesus’ teachings and example
New Zealand
In May 2007 the new Zealand Parliament legislated to give children equal protection from assault in the home. An overwhelming majority of the country's parliamentarians supported the cross-party proposal ledby Green MP Sue Bradford. Al New Zealand Anglican Bishops declared their support for the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act which allowed the use of "reasonable force" by way of correction", presenting a signed statement - "Removing the Loophole" - to the Prime Minister, Helen Clark. In response to Christians who argue that the Bible condones corporal punishment the Bishops said: "As Christians who argue that the Bible condones corporal punishment the Bishops said: "As Christians, our reading of the Bible must always be done through the lens of Christ's teaching and life."
Click here for the full statement
A Prayer Vigil “Let the Children Come” was held in Wellington Cathedral and attended by MPs and people of most Christian denominations. Click here for a copy of the Vigil
Publication
“Unreasonable Force – New Zealand’s journey towards banning physical punishment of children”, by Beth Wood, Ian Hassall and George Hook, Save the Children, New Zealand, 2008
Chapter 5 “The Role of Religion” describes the part played by Christians in the campaign to make physical punishment of children in New Zealand, illegal. It looks at the biblical roots of physical punishment and the problems encountered from religious opposition to reform. It charts the input and contribution from mainstream churches towards a pro-repeal religious perspective to the public debate.
South Africa
South African Council of Churches (SACC) in support of abolition of corporal punishment
During 2007 the South African Council of Churches (SACC) an umbrella organisation representing over 16 million Christians of 26 denominations in South Africa - supported by Save the Children produced a document explaining the religious arguments against corporal punishment ("Religions, the Promotion of Positive Discipline and the Abolition of Corporal Punishment"). The Southern African Catholic Bishops' ConferenceParliamentary Liaison Office has also supported prohibition of corporal punishment during the South African Parliamentary deliberations on the Children's Act Amendment Bill in 2007.
Click here for South African Council of Churches - "Religions, the Promotion of Positive Discipline and the Abolition of Corporal Punishment."
Click here for Submission by Catholic Bishops' Conference in support of law reform
United Kingdom
Religious Groups make Commitment to Ending Violence against Children
An Ecumenical Civic Service dedicated to children and non-violence was held at Coventry Cathedral on October 2006 to mark the lauch of the Report of the UN Global Study on Violence against Children. During the service, the Coventry Charter for Children and Non-violence was dedicated and signed by people of different faiths and children's charities. The Charter promotes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and provides a framework for religious communities to address the recommendations of the UN Study, including working with others to eliminate violence, promote positive discipline and advocate for prohibition of corporal punishment.
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Shabbir Ahmed led the signing of the Charter with a statement of dedication.
A message from Professor Paulo Pinheiro was read at the beginning of the service.
Click here to read Professor Pinheiro's message
Click here for the Children's Charter
Click here for a copy of the service
Publications
Respecting Children – A Handbook for Growing Up Without Violence (CNNV).
Topics include:
1.21st-Children: needs and rights
2.What is discipline? What is punishment
3.Moving on from Smacking
4.Creating Non-violenr environments
5.Positive non-violent parenting
6.Supporting children and parents in the local context
7.Developing a whole child policy
8.Taking Action – Speaking out against physical punishment of children
Christian Websites:
Parenting in Jesus’ Footsteps
http://www.parentinginjesusfootsteps.org
Gentle Christian Mothers
www.gentlemothering.com
Articles include:
A Christian Look at Attachment Parenting by Jessica Wigley to Spank or not to spank
Choosing not to spank; The Proverbs by Laurie Morgan
Gentle Mothering
Project Nospank
Index at www.nospank.net/toc.htm
The Bible and Positive Parenting www.nospank.net/bible1.htm
The dangers of spanking children
Advice of violence-prevention professionals compared with the advice of those who advocate smacking
www.nospank.net/perlin2.htm
The Bible and Discipline - Click Here for a Copy
Ten Positive Parenting Hints by Jean Ellerby, Barnardos New Zealand: Click here for a copy
Publications
Bakke, O. M. When Children Became People – the Birth of Childhood in Early Christianity, Fortress Press, 2005.
This book examines how Christians in the ancient world regarded and treated children and looks at the treatment of children from different angles; theological, historical and ethical. This study is a valuable resource and background for those wishing to understand the way society regards and treats children today.
Bunge, M. The Child in Christian Thought, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Cambridge UK, 2001.
This book looks at Christian thinking on the care of children with accounts of Christian theologians’ views of children across the centuries. It provides new contemporary perspectives on the way we care for and regard children.
Martin, Samuel Thy Rod And Thy Staff They Comfort Me – Christians and the Smacking Controversy, 2006
The study sets out to increase the level of understanding about the issue through theological scholarship. It discusses how Christian advocates for smacking children are not usually trained Christian theologians and have developed doctrines around what they believe the Boble teaches about smacking children which are not found in the Bible at all.
Download a copy of “Thy Rod and Thy Staff” here:
Miller-McLemore, B. J. Let the Children Come – Reimagining Childhood from a Christian Perspective, Jossey-Bass, Wiley, 2003.
This book provides a positive, practical theology of children and parenting without violence.
This book looks at Christian thinking on the care of children with accounts of Christian theologians’ views of children across the centuries. It provides new contemporary perspectives on the way we care for and regard children.
Spong, J.S. The Sins of Scripture, Exposing the Bible’s texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love, Harper, San Francisco, 2005.
The book includes discussion on Children and the Bible, physical punishment and the essential tenets of Christianity through Jesus’ radical humanity.
Whitehouse, Dr T. How would Jesus Raise a Child? Baker Books, 2003
Offers key principles for parenting without violence, drawn from Jesus’ words, example and actions as he interacted with children and others.
Hinduism
Hindu culture is essentially a culture of kindness that teaches ahimsa (non-injury) and preaches against himsa (hurtfulness). A Hindu ideal has been described as: “Never injure others.” In the Hindu tradition there is no greater good than a child. Hindu parents are to lift their children into the higher nature of love, forgiveness, friendliness and security. Parents are urged to love their children and demonstrate the principle of ahimsa. Children should be allowed to develop without being hurt physically, emotionally or psychologically. Parents who are avowed to ahimsa are able to guide and teach children without hitting them.
There is a saying in Hinduism: “Siva’s followers never govern youth through fear. They are forbidden to hit children, use harsh words, neglect or abuse them. They know you can’t make a child better by making them feel worse.”
Non-violent parenting – "Corporal punishment is not discipline, nor is it a way of guiding young ones." Hinduism Today. Click here for copy
Link to website and article ‘Spare the Rod - Save the Child
by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1997/2/1997-2-03.shtml
Islam
Islam encourages every human being to place the needs of others before his own. Corporal punishment and other forms of humiliation of children conflict directly with the advice of the Prophet, which is about treating those who are under the age of seven as children (employing tenderness and compassion), treating those from seven to 14 (with care and concern) and from 14 onwards as close friends (with trust and cooperation). The noble Prophet of Islam emphasised: “Be generous, kind and noble to your children and make their manners good and beautiful.”
Anas ( R ), the Prophet’s companion said: “I never saw anyone who was more compassionate to children than the messenger of Allah.” Children are regarded as amanat (trust) from Allah. Islam does not advocate violence against children. The Prophet said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”
Investing in the Children of the Islamic World, UNICEF 2005
This is a report of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISECO) and UNICEF. The Summary reviews the situation of children in 57 Muslim countries, assesses progress in the areas of health, education, child protection and HIV?AIDS, and identifies nexessary action. It also provided a background document for the first Ministerial Conference on the Child, held in Rabat from 7-9 November 2005.
Egypt
An example of how religious scholars have helped to change attitudes about children can be found in the Study, “Children in Islam” published by UNICEF in collaboration with Al-Azhar University, Cairo. The Study is being used in the region as a resource tool in efforts to promote the rights of the child and to eliminate harmful traditional practices.
Prominent religious leaders, including the Grand Sheikh of Cairo’s Al-Azhar mosque, Sayyed Mohammed Tantawi, and the Coptic Pope Shenouda 111 have both declared publicly that harmful traditional practices have “no foundation in religious texts” of either Islam or Christianity. In some areas of Islam, State laws are backed up by Shariah law. Sheikh Tantawi stated: “Parental care is the main foundation for protecting children and enabling them to enjoy the rights guaranteed by Islam. But society and state institutions also have a key role in this regard. For all children to acquire such rights without discrimination, lawmakers must also ensure children are protected from physical or moral humiliation.”
Children in Islam – Their care, protection and development
Includes research papers and extracts of Koranic verses, Hadiths and Sunnas that provide useful guidance on children’s rights. Page 9 states: "Shariah forbids any attack on the human body including smacking or other forms of corporal harm or sexual assault."
Click here for Summary in English
Click here for Summary in Arabic
Iran
An Interview with Ayatollah Bojnourdi, speaking on how religious leaders can help end violence against children, especially in Iran. Ayatollah Bognourdi was speaking after the Eighth World Assembly of Religions for Peace held in Kyoto, Japan August 2006.
http://www.unicef.org/iran/media_2914.html
Speech given by Grand Ayatollah Abdolkarin Mousavi Ardebili on World Children's Day. October 2007
“…I believe the rights of children within families, societies and other social, political and economic environments need to be mapped out as efforts are made to protect such rights. I believe children all over the world are equally entitled to these rights. Boys and girls should be given equal opportunities to tap into their rights to education, healthcare, growth and social contribution. When it comes to the problems of children, silence or denial will only worsen the situation. We need to admit to the bitter reality that violence against children does exist in houses, families, institutions and societies around the world. All means including the lofty instructions of God and the spiritual influence religious leaders wield should be tapped in order to change the situation and eliminate violent behavior against children”.
Click here for a copy of the full text
Speech given by Grand Ayatollah Yousef Sanei on Worls Children’s Day, Qom, Iran October 7th 2007
“…We all have a duty to prevent abuse and violence against children as part of efforts to ensure the welfare of humans and respect for the rights of defenseless children. We have to criminalize any act of violence against them. Besides we are duty-bound to treat them with compassion so that they would never feel humiliated or abused; something which is bound to bring about dire consequences for society…”
Click here for a copy of full text
The Philippines
The Convention on the Rights of the Child and Islamic Law
Convergences and Divergences: The Philippine Case
Carmen A. Abubakar & Macrina A. Morados, Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines, 2oo6, UNICEF and UP Institute of Islamic Studies
United Kingdom
Child Protection in Faith-Based Environments, A Guideline Report (March 2006)
Sponsored by The Muslim Institute Trust, Bait al-Mal al Islami, The Muslim Women’s Institute, The City Circle, Fatima Women’s Network, March
http://www.muslimparliament.org.uk/Documentation/ChildProtectionReport.pdf
Positive Parenting for Muslim Parents—Kirklees Parenting Forum
As part of the Madressah Project, the Parent Support Forum has produced a booklet (Positive Parenting: Give your child the best start in life). It is written for Muslim parents and describes the benefits of positive parenting and how this approach is supported by Islam. Click here for a copy
www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/health-care/childrenandfamilies/parentsupport/madressahs.shtml
Jainism
In Jainism religion and culture have deep-rooted relevance to the development of humankind and to the moral, spiritual and philosophical aspects of life. Jainism is a religion of love, compassion and respect and the right to live, for all human beings. Jains practice non-violence in action, speech and thoughts. Jains believe in “showering love and respect towards all living beings”. Jainism does not entail blind adherence to customs and traditions. It provides timely, practical solutions appropriate to our circumstances. Children learn these religious and cultural values from their parents and teachers.
Navin Shamji Dedhia, San Jose CA “Religion and Society”.
Judaism
Chesed (kindness), compassion and justice are the classic Jewish values and the nourishing and protecting of human life is of prime importance in Jewish law. Historically, by the end of the Talmudic period (500CE) there was an emphasis on kindness and compassion. As a result of rabbinic teachings traditional Jewish homes were noted for treating their children with love and warmth.