‘We will speak out and act with compassion and courage against the evil of racism in our society and work for social justice for all.’

A statement by the Methodist Church in Ireland on the present rise in attempts to increase racial tension.

The Methodist Church in Ireland is deeply concerned about the current escalation in attempts to increase racial tension in Ireland. We have spoken about this concern in statements over recent years but this present context is especially concerning.

We recognise our responsibility within our wider world. Earthed within our own historical consciousness is a recognition that people often have to flee dire circumstances and hope to receive a welcome elsewhere. As a country we have sought to respond to our international responsibilities in this regard. Probably due to our geography, we have not received as many refugees as other countries have. However, we must act upon our responsibility to be a place of refuge for those needing it and to listen compassionately and wisely to those seeking asylum.

We remember this sad first anniversary of the present invasion by Russia of Ukraine. We note that tens, maybe hundreds, of thousands have died as a result of this cruel war. Living conditions for many Ukrainians have been dire amid heartbreaking loss, upheaval, the threat of bombs and limited power and infrastructure this winter. It has been very right that Ireland has welcomed tens of thousands of Ukrainian people seeking refuge. This is alongside our welcome to those from other countries, such as Syria and Afghanistan, who have sought refuge here.

While always seeking to engage positively with government and appreciating progress made, over the years we have been critical of the slow response by successive governments to the housing crisis in Ireland. It has both been a symptom of, but also resulted in, deepening divisions within society between rich and poor, and between those with a loud voice and the disenfranchised and those with power and those who feel at the mercy of others. There have been many factors at play in this ongoing social injustice. However, it is our view that there has simply been a lack of urgency to deal with it as a crisis. Practically, for many ordinary people, it is worse than a crisis. It has disastrous outcomes for people as they are consumed with worry about how to simply manage their normal lives given crippling rents when facing other life responsibilities and challenges.

The housing crisis both causes further division in society and intensifies the pressure on accommodation in terms of us helping others. Our frustration should lead towards a fairer society where all can live well, given the wealth of our country as a whole. It should lead us to action where it is within our opportunity. It should most definitely not be turned on those who are vulnerable or marginalised.

Political rhetoric and division can stagnate progress. We call on all politicians to use language that reflects the value and dignity of every person rather than being a reaction to the current debate. All the political parties come with experience of various input to government and opposition. We call on all political parties in Dáil Éireann to work together for the common good. We ask that all party leaders meet together to address these crucial challenges facing our country. Our country is not well served by constant blame, excuses, calls for other parties to not exist or selfish vested interests.

We are writing to each of the political party leaders with this request. We are also writing to the appropriate ministers to ask that information be disseminated by public representatives about Ireland’s legal responsibilities, and other information, including information on those who fall under International Protection.

Communities across Ireland have received Asylum Seekers over many years. In many settings there has been good communication between government departments and local representatives and communities. In many others the communication has been very poor, something which can lead to ignorance or misunderstanding. In any demographic change there will always be genuine concern about the welfare, safety, cohesion, available services and opportunities of all involved. These concerns must always be aired in safe settings, acknowledged and addressed where possible. The evidence in this country over past years and decades has been that when this happens, local communities not only live in peace but also thrive.

False information or a lack of truth is also a real concern when it comes to social media. There is a sinister deception associated with much of what has been and may be said during these times. There are many currently using various platforms to peddle disinformation around Ireland. They are using well honed methods from around the world to intensify concerns, twist truth and create crises. This often happens through various pages named with individual towns or areas expressing ‘concern.’ 

Racism is nothing new in our country. It has existed in various forms and settings over the decades. And we are all prone to allowing our preferences to become prejudices. However, this is a moment when we need to recognise that racism has a particularly dangerous opportunity to take hold. We need to speak out and act against it.

As Methodists, and primarily as followers of Jesus, we are concerned to ask ourselves, ‘What is our responsibility at this time?’.

1. Our primary view of the dignity of all in society is more than equality, it is a recognition that all are children of God and reflect the image of God. Our interpersonal actions are orientated by a deep appreciation that each person is a beautiful creation of and loved by God.

2. We commit to examining our own hearts. We come with our own preferences and limited knowledge and so we consider the potential dangers of ourselves being wrong or prejudiced.

3. We both pray for and engage with our government and the various groups that are concerned for the welfare of the marginalised in society.

4. We will use our speech compassionately and courageously. Where there are neighbourhood or workplace conversations about these topics, we will speak up with compassion, positivity and truth. We will be obstacles in the spread of fear, ignorance or misinformation.

5. We will come alongside those who are hurting and the marginalised. We recognise that people from ethnic minority backgrounds throughout Ireland today suffer a wide range of racial attacks. These can be overt or subtle, but they are life-denying. We combat this by our words and actions in terms of how we can be life-giving to all.

6. We will enhance cohesion in our communities. We are to be sources of healing, reconciliation, hope and joy in our society.

7. We use our resources, even those most precious to us, to the benefit of others. Last year we committed to ‘open up our homes’ for those from Ukraine seeking refuge. We do so again.
   Go to registerofpledges.redcross.ie/#/

8. We will march or protest. There are various protests against racism taking place all around the country. (Search on facebook to see what’s in your area. Be ready to respond quickly as groups promoting hate or division can gather a protest quickly and so anything to counter that needs a quick response.)
   

We will be walking in the national Solidarity March in Dublin this Saturday, 18th February. This is a major opportunity for us to join our voices with others and highlight our deep concern at the growth in racist rhetoric and continue to call for urgent progress on housing and social equity.

We want to encourage everyone to come out and be present in this march. We will have a banner and we will be visible. The Methodist movement is earthed in justice for the marginalised and so this is an opportunity to be present and make our voices known. As Methodists we are simply not going to allow this present rise in racist language to be a breeding ground. As followers of Jesus it repulses us and so we need to put ourselves out there in standing against it.

We ask Methodists and anyone who wishes to join us to turn up at the Solidarity March this Saturday 18th February, 1.30pm at Parnell Square, Dublin and walk behind our banner, along with others to the Custom House.

 (This march is organised by ‘United Against Racism’, a coalition of various groups that speak out against racism. It is a peaceful protest. At a rally such as this there may be other groups that articulate things differently than we might. However, we strongly feel that our voice must be in there. The issues involved are too important for us not to be.)

Issued by the Irish Methodist Council on Social Responsibility (Southern Executive)