The Presbyterian Church's spokesman on Race Relations has described recent ethnic attacks as 'appalling' and said it would be a mistake to regard the perpetrators as 'mindless thugs'. 'Sadly and alarmingly, those who carry out these appalling acts believe they act with sound reason. However they stand in stark contrast to the values of a civilised and fundamentally Christian community where everyone should be able to experience respect and hospitality.'
Speaking after another overnight attack in Belfast, Dr Gordon Gray who is convener of the Presbyterian Church's committee on Race Relations added that 'As a society we urgently need to counter zenophobia (fear of or hostility towards the stranger) by developing a wholeheartedly positive attitude towards those of minority races and nationalities in our midst.'
Dr Gray also pointed out the value and variety that the various cultures add to our community. 'Some are overseas students who have chosen to come to Northern to learn not just the contents of their courses but about our way of life. Others are long-time residents, many of them born here, and are members of established ethnic minority communities, such as the Chinese. They have brought cultural enrichment as well as practical skills and valued services.
'Institutions, including the churches, need to take seriously the rapidly rising scourge of racism in this Province We need urgently to develop a concerted strategy to counter this social evil. This should be high in the priorities of our elected politicians.'
In June the General Assembly issued a policy statement on Refugees and Asylum Seekers which stated that: We believe that all people are created equal in dignity and personhood, and are made in the image of God. We affirm respect for the dignity and worth of every person regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, colour or religion. Human life, personal safety and physical security should be upheld in the law and practice of institutions.
'Institutions, including the churches, need to take seriously the rapidly rising scourge of racism in this Province We need urgently to develop a concerted strategy to counter this social evil. This should be high in the priorities of our elected politicians.'
In June the General Assembly issued a policy statement on Refugees and Asylum Seekers which stated that: We believe that all people are created equal in dignity and personhood, and are made in the image of God. We affirm respect for the dignity and worth of every person regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, colour or religion. Human life, personal safety and physical security should be upheld in the law and practice of institutions.
Dr Gray's statement in full reads:
The recent attacks on ethnic minority families in south Belfast stand in stark contrast to the values of a civilised and fundamentally Christian community. At Christmastime, in church services, parties and even shopping sprees most people remembered, even if only vaguely, how in Bethlehem two thousand years ago room was found for a visiting couple, and space for a baby to be born. In Belfast 2003 three families, including two pregnant women, were driven from their homes. Now New Year 2004 sees that activity repeated in the same area. It would be a mistake to regard the perpetrators as mindless thugs: sadly and alarmingly, those who carry out these appalling acts will believe they act with sound reason.
As a society we urgently need to counter zenophobia (fear of or hostility towards the stranger) by developing a wholeheartedly positive attitude towards those of minority races and nationalities in our midst. Some are guest workers, some asylum seekers or refugees. Some are overseas students who have chosen to come to Northern to learn not just the contents of their courses but about our way of life. Others are long-time residents, many of them born here, and are members of established ethnic minority communities, such as the Chinese. They have brought cultural enrichment as well as practical skills and valued services. Many are Christians. All should be able to experience respect and Christian hospitality
There have also been heartening accounts of generosity towards those threatened and displaced, and that's the other side of the story. I feel sure that the vast majority of the citizens of Northern Ireland will in fact agree with a statement from the Presbyterian Church's official policy document on Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
We believe that all people are created equal in dignity and personhood, and are made in the image of God. We affirm respect for the dignity and worth of every person regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, colour or religion. Human life, personal safety and physical security should be upheld in the law and practice of institutions.
However institutions, including the churches, need to take seriously the rapidly rising scourge of racism in this Province We need urgently to develop a concerted strategy to counter this social evil. This should be high in the priorities of our elected politicians.
Rev Dr Gordon Gray
Convener, Race Relations Committee
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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