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Atrocities Quote by Philip Berrigan

“[ To break the law] would still be an imperative. I guess we do it for both reasons. You try to be a Christian, you try to come from that tradition of the Jewish prophets and then Christ and everything since. That becomes your handbook. "Witness" is the key word. You witness against the injustice…” quote by Philip Berrigan
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“[ To break the law] would still be an imperative. I guess we do it for both reasons. You try to be a Christian, you try to come from that tradition of the Jewish prophets and then Christ and everything since. That becomes your handbook. "Witness" is the key word. You witness against the injustice, against the atrocity, against the heavy-handedness, and all the rest. We try to make a statement to other people, and we try to say it's your responsibility, too.”

Philip Berrigan

About This Quote

Source Speech: Protest rally, 1970

He argues that witnessing injustice is a moral duty, rooted in religious tradition, urging collective responsibility.

In simple terms: Witnessing injustice is a responsibility.

Key Takeaway

Act against injustice whenever seen.

Themes

justice responsibility faith activism

Mood

determined urgent

Type

ethical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • protest
  • community organizing
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

moral duty collective action

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do you have when witnessing wrongdoing?
  • How can faith inspire social action?
A Different Perspective

Moral imperatives can clash with legal constraints.

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