The Church of Ireland’s Refugee Working Groups have launched a new resource on supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  The 14-page document summarises how the Church of Ireland has supported asylum seekers and refugees in recent years and highlights opportunities for members of the Church to become more involved in this area of ministry and service.

The Rt Revd Patrick Rooke, Chairman of the Republic of Ireland Working Group, said: ‘This is an excellent resource for all those who want to be informed about the refugee crises and what the response of the two Governments and the Church of Ireland has been. The many statistics and other factual points it contains are testament to the research and information gathering involved.’

The Rt Revd Ken Good, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Working Group, said: ‘It is clear that public awareness of the plight of asylum seekers and refugees fluctuates considerably depending on the emotional impact of media coverage.  This resource seeks to provide helpful information to keep before us the scale of the human need while also acknowledging people’s fears and concerns. Being informed about the facts is important. It is also encouraging to read some good news stories about the practical ways in which Christian Churches and other agencies are responding to this crisis.’

The resource is available online from www.ireland.anglican.org/resources<http://www.ireland.anglican.org/resources>

Caption: Pictured at the launch of the resource were (left to right) The Rt Revd Ken Good, Chairman of the Refugee Working Group (Northern Ireland); The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh; The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin; and The Rt Revd Patrick Rooke, Chairman of the Refugee Working Group (Republic of Ireland).