Press Releases11 Jun 04

Dublin diocese reaches out to newly arrived ethnic groups

DUBLIN DIOCESE REACHES OUT TO NEWLY ARRIVED ETHNIC GROUPS

The Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough launched a dramatic new initiative in inner city Dublin this week engaging with newly arrived ethnic groups.

Running from 10-13 June in the Church of St George and St Thomas (in Cathal Brugha St off O'Connell St) Discovery aims to help Christians who have arrived in Dublin from other countries to discover useful connections with fellow Christians and with institutions in Irish society that may be helpful to them.

Built around a series of presentations, which kicked off with an excellent talk by Sgt Dave McInerney of the Garda Racial and Intercultural Office, the Exhibition features a group of stands providing information and contact details for those trying to find a worship community to join in Dublin.

Those attending the event have commented that the information content of the seminars has been excellent. "We're not only discovering about ourselves, and about those we seek to welcome, but about a whole range of individuals, services and organisations that are working in this area," said Rev Canon Horace McKinley, event co-ordinator.

Rev Katherine Poulton, rector of St George and St Thomas says: "Many people find their way to this Church because it is located in one of the areas where students, refugees and asylum seekers, in particular, first live when they come to Ireland. But there are many more who simply find it difficult to make the connections that help them find their way into our society. This exhibition is here to help them - and also to help parishes find information and advice about how to reach out to those who find it difficult to come in through the door."

The exhibition will conclude on Sunday with a dramatic African style worship service, which will be multi-cultural.

Rev Canon Horace McKinley, event co-ordinator said: "We hope this is the beginning of a process of discovery and growth for the Church of Ireland as much as for those we want to welcome."

PROGRAMME

Exhibition:

Thursday 10 - Saturday 12 June: Stalls open 12.00 noon -4.00 p.m. daily

Talks:

Thursday 10 June: 1.00 p.m.Garda Racial and Intercultural Office

Thursday 10th June: 3.00 p.m.Reception and Integration Agency

Friday 11 June: 1.00 p.m.Immigrant Council of Ireland

Friday 11 June: 3.00 p.m.The Equality Authority

Friday 11 June: 4.00 p.m.Garda Community Policing Unit

Saturday 12 June: 1.00 p.m.SPIRASI

Worship:

Sunday 13 June: 2.00 p.m. Preacher: Rev Dr Sahr Yambusu, Methodist Minister, Galway.

Music and refreshments

STALLS

* Support services available to immigrants
* Information about the Church of Ireland, our Diocese, parishes and schools
* Dublin city centre churches of other Christian traditions
* Church Missionary Society of Ireland, Mothers? Union, Bishops' Appeal, Youth Organizations and many others

CONTACT

Rev Katharine Poulton: Rector of St George and St Thomas (Tel. 01 2856180)

Rev Canon Horace McKinley (Event Co-ordinator): Rector of Whitechurch Parish. (Tel: 01 493 3953)