Press Releases25 Mar 09

Launch of Church of Ireland Hard Gospel Youth Report

Youth work is one of the major activities of churches and other faith based communities in Northern Ireland. It is important in terms of the spiritual development of young people. It also makes a very significant contribution to how young people both find their place in our wider community and make a constructive contribution to it.

The interweaving themes of youth work, spiritual development and young people finding their place in the community come together is the subject of an important new report launched by the Church of Ireland Hard Gospel Project. The report, entitled ‘Youth Work and Spiritual Development in the North and South of Ireland” is one of the final pieces of work to be produced by the Hard Gospel Project, which came to an end earlier this year.

Commenting on the launch the former Director of the Hard Gospel Project, Rev Earl Storey, said “The Hard Gospel Project was born out of a belief that any community, or church, is strongest when it is willing to ask itself hard questions. This report looks at how youth work in faith-based organizations not only contributes to spiritual development in young people but also helps shape them as members of our wider community. Given the challenges we have had in living with difference in this community anything that shapes young people, our future, is a subject worthy of examination.”

The report, a result of extensive research, has been written by former Hard Gospel Project Officer Mr Stephen Dallas. Stephen has wide experience of youth work in both church and secular environments. He also has recent academic background in social research. Commenting on the report he said “My research brought me into all sectors of youth work on this island – both religious and secular. I have a personal commitment to youth work being seen as a real contribution to a peaceful and stable community life”.

The report is being launched at The Village Centre in Monkstown, Newtownabbey at 2pm on Wednesday 25 March.