Four new Churches of Sanctuary have been recognised in recent weeks. The presentations of the Sanctuary award to these churches, representing different denominations right and across the island, have fallen within the Christian observance of the season of Advent under the theme ’No Room at the Inn’, highlighting the significant pressures on the system to provide basic housing and safety to those seeking sanctuary in Ireland.
The presentation in Tullmaore Presbyterian in Co. Offaly took place on 4 December and was made by Places of Sanctuary Ireland board member Andy Pollak.
The presentation in Carrigaline Church of Ireland in Co. Cork and was made by Places of Sanctuary Ireland board member Kevin Macarenas.
The presentation in Clane and Rathcoffey in Co. Kildare took place on 18 December and was made by Places of Sanctuary Ireland Chair Dr Veronica Crosbie. Presiding at the mass was Bishop Denis Nulty, and also present were friends from Syria and Ukraine who have made their home in the parish.
English