With projections for the autumn pointing to a worsening situation for many households across the island of Ireland, as a result of the unfolding cost of living crisis particularly for those who are already vulnerable and living in poverty, the leaders of Ireland’s main churches have said that they are deeply concerned by what they are seeing on the ground. In a Joint Statement issued today, 25 August, they have called “…for more practical support to be delivered urgently through direct government initiatives in both jurisdictions and also via grassroots charity and community partnerships.”
The Church Leaders said that they are “deeply concerned regarding the government response in both jurisdictions, in meeting immediate needs and also in relation to longer term strategy…”. They go on to say that practical support “…must go hand in hand with a longer term refocusing of government policies to deliver real and meaningful social justice and eliminate poverty across this island.”
The Church Leaders concluded by saying, “It is our shared vocation to witness to Christ and to protect the dignity of those made in God’s image, and so we are compelled to speak up in this moment, out of concern and in hope, for the good and flourishing of everyone in our communities.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of all Ireland
Right Reverend Andrew Forster, President of the Irish Council of Churches
Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Most Reverend John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of all Ireland
Reverend David Nixon, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland
ENDS
