The Sanctuary Faith Stream will again be partnering with the Church of Ireland Interfaith Working Group for this year’s event, with the theme of ‘Countering Voice of Enmity’. Centenary Methodist in Ranelagh, Dublin, which was designated a Church of Sanctuary in 2022, is the venue for the event.
The keynote speaker, The Revd Bonnie Evans-Hills, will be delivering a talk entitled ‘They’ R ‘Us’. Evans-Hills is a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church and has considerable experience in inter-religious dialogue, working with organisations such as the EU Commission on Foreign Affairs & Security, the World Council of Churches, Churches Together in Britain & Ireland, the Anglican Communion, and the Anglican Mission organisation USPG (United Society for Partners in the Gospel).
The day will also include a presentation by Niamh McDonald, Director of the Hope and Courage Collective. The Hope and Courage Collective is an independent national organisation supporting communities and a broader ecosystem in Ireland working for safe, inclusive, caring and resilient communities, workplaces and democracy capable of inhibiting the spread of far-right hate and extremism. The organisation works closely with groups experiencing and harmed by far right hate, and with broader society to make sure communities have what they need to stop the far-right, intent on normalising hate and division.
Panel sessions will include ‘Good News’ case studies from various faith communities, as well as Sanctuary Ambassadors, to share positive stories of friendship and community collaboration.
Last year’s event drew enthusiastic participation. Reflecting on the day, one attendee commented: ‘I have learned how to educate myself about different environments with different cultures and see the beauty in them. I have learned how people with different religions can support each other and work together’. Another shared, ‘In our own communities it is important to identify people with whom we can start the conversation… The conversation can then ripple out to include others who are less keen to speak out/lead’.
The event is free of charge but places are limited. Online booking available here: bit.ly/3HEKZ20