Board of Social Responsibility (RI) highlights need for tackling child poverty
Seconding the Report of the Board of Social Responsibility, Councillor Leonard Hatrick (Armagh) commended the Primate for bringing the issue of child poverty to the forefront at last December’s meeting in Dromantine. He emphasized the importance of learning to understand the fear, mistrust and uncertainty that is felt by many of those who are caught in a poverty trap. He also criticized those at governmental level who are not addressing this issue effectively.
“Despite the Celtic Tiger in southern Ireland and the country being awash with money it’s hard to believe that there is no real will or effort to combat poverty by any government agencies,” he said.
Proposing the Report, Revd David Catterall (Elphin & Ardagh) spoke of the “grass roots, hands on” nature of the Board and urged the Synod to consider how the Church of Ireland can meet the needs that have been identified by the Board.
The Board also reported a significant change in membership over the past year, with Cllr Leonard Hatrick (Armagh), Revd Nancy Gillespie (Cashel & Ossory), Revd David Frazer (Meath & Kildare) and Revd David Catterall (Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh) joining. The Board also expressed its gratitude to Archdeacon Derek Johnston and Mr Jim McGaffin, both of whom retired during the year. Their commitment and enthusiasm for the work of the Board was very much appreciated.