Diocesan News21 Jan 09

Government Ministers Launch Project

A special series of projects has been launched by Northern Ireland Executive Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie and Minister of State John Curran from the Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the Republic of Ireland. The launch, which took place at the St Patrick’s Visitor Centre in Downpatrick at 10am on Wednesday 21st January, marks the beginning of a new initiative by the Church of Ireland Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, and which has received funding from both the Department for Social Development and the Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Minister for Social Development Ms Margaret Ritchie MLA, Earl Storey, Minister of State for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Mr John Curran TD

The aim of the diocesan project is to encourage volunteering at all levels of church life to meet social need in the community. The project will be delivered by Rev Earl Storey, who will be finishing his term as Director of the Church of Ireland Hard Gospel Project at the end of January 2009. The other organizations being funded to develop volunteering to meet social need are the GAA and Voluntary Arts Ireland.

Bishop Ken Good said “This project represents a key value for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe. It reflects one of the commitments in our new diocesan strategy – that the church must be an agent of positive transformation in our community.” Bishop Good continued, “At a time when severe economic pressures are affecting so many people, the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe wants to use this project to help people develop a greater sense of personal engagement and involvement which will strengthen and enrich community life."

Speaking at today’s launch in Downpatrick, Minister Ritchie said; “There is a real need to increase the number and diversity of volunteers. These innovative projects will help to do just that.  They are the first of their kind on the island of Ireland. I am delighted that the Church Of Ireland, Voluntary Arts Ireland and the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association, in designing their individual projects, have agreed to work together to share best practice from each of their initiatives on a cross community and cross border basis.  I commend them for their courage, innovation and leadership.”

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is supporting the project as part of its mission to promote and support the sustainable and inclusive development of communities and alleviate disadvantage.

Minister Curran, addressing the launch said; "This is an innovative project which will contribute to the growing volunteer base on both sides of the border.  Volunteering is central to the ideals of democracy, social inclusion and active citizenship. It is also an expression of the individual's involvement in their community. I am particularly pleased to be working with Minister Margaret Ritchie and the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland. I hope this will be the first of many mutually beneficial cross border joint initiatives.