Joint appeal blasts ‘shocking’ surge

RELIGIOUS leaders have called for a bigger effort to help homeless and vulnerable people this year.

In the 2018 Church Leaders’ New Year Message, politicians were urged to assist families in need.

The call came as part of a joint statement from the Church of Ireland, the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church.

It read: “At the beginning of this new year we add our voices to those calling for increased efforts to provide safety and protection for vulnerable families across Ireland and throughout the world. They are the essential building blocks of strong, resilient communities.

“Our experience in pastoral and social care underlines the centrality of family wellbeing to effective, long-term solutions to the social challenges we face.”

And it asserted the churches have been “particularly shocked at the rising levels of homelessness”, describing it as “one of the most tragic and glaring symptoms of a broken system leaving too many people without support”.

The joint message added: “The protection of children, our future parents and leaders, is one of the primary reasons for the existence of social welfare.

“Yet in the Republic of Ireland one in three of those living in emergency accommodation is a child.

“It is deeply unfair so many parents feel they are failing because they cannot provide security for their children.

“And that many are reluctant to ask for help because of stigma and shame.” There was also a special mention for families who come under regular strain.

The statement said: “We have a vocation to witness to the fact the purpose of political leadership is to protect the common good.

“We appeal to them to focus in this coming year on measures to alleviate the hardship experienced by families, restoring hope and preventing people being pushed to the margins of society.

The crisis is one of the most glaring symptoms of a broken system

NEW YEAR MESSAGE

YESTERDAY