Skip to main content

Churches across Ireland and UK – stand up for justice and unity

Taking the lead from Waterford, churches up and down Ireland, UK and beyond are joining forces to ring out their bells for Love, Hope, Justice and Inclusion on Sunday 19th March, a powerful statement of unity and solidarity against hatred and xenophobia across the world.

With former President Mary McAleese leading the call from Christchurch Waterford, and support from high profile church figures from all denominations, this simple act will be a powerful signal to those invoking fear, bigotry and polarisation.

Churches and faith groups are asked to indicate their support via this simple form.  https://christchurchwaterford.com/events/joy-bells-ring/

Media Coverage:

Church bells to signal solidarity with immigrants (via @IrishTimes) https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/church-bells-to-signal-solidarity-with-immigrants-1.2973917

 

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/waterford-church-bells-to-ring-out-against-xenophobia-1.2966781#.WJoW5wiXDpR.mailto

 

Mary McAleese was interviewed last Saturday by Marianne Finucane on RTE 1. https://rte.ie/r.html?rii=b9_21129547_70_11-02-2017_

 

SUPPORT HAS COME FROM:

  1. Dr. Rowan Williams: Former Archbishop of Canterbury
  2. H.E. Mr. Istvan S. Palffy, Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland
  3. City of Sanctuary UK and Ireland
  4. Irish Council of Churches
  5. St. Paul’s within the Walls Episcopal Church, Rome
  6. All Saints’ Anglican Church, Rome
  7. Limerick Diocese C of I
  8. St Chad’s Anglican Church, Adelaide Diocese, South Australia
  9. Lismore Cathedral C of I
  10. St Patrick’s Methodist Church, Waterford
  11. Clougher Diocese C of I
  12. Irish College, Rome
  13. Bishop Tobin, Newark Diocese, US
  14. Cardinal Nichols, Westminster
  15. Caravita  Oratory, Rome
  16. Canon Edmund Cullinan, Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford
  17. Notre Dame University, US
  18. Monsignor Thynne, Mulhuddard Parish , Dublin (huge immigrant population)
  19. Fr. Garavin, Balaghadereen Parish, Co. Roscommon  (Syrian refugees)
  20. Notre Dame University, US
  21. St Mary’s University, London
  22. Cashel Cathedral

 

“Groups of any faith and none are encouraged to ‘make a joyful noise’ on the same day, in whatever way is appropriate for their culture.

“That the peal will ring out on St. Patrick’s weekend is pertinent. On that day we remember the immigrant who brought Ireland to faith as well as the millions of Irish emigrants who sought opportunity around the world. Let us mark this day by a show of solidarity with all desperately seeking welcome and new lives among us.

We invite you to ring your bells as 11 am on 19 March and let your community know what you are doing. Let us proclaim together through the bells our message of welcome, respect and solidarity with immigrants and refugees and people made invisible in their desperation.”

Dean Maria Jansson, Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford.