The Dublin Council of Churches, which is made up of representatives of the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran and Orthodox churches, the Salvation Army and the Society of Friends, has expressed its concern at the State's system of dealing with refugees. The council notes that the Refugee Act 1996, which took five years to prepare, has yet to be implemented.
Until it is implemented, a refugee arriving from Northern Ireland or Great Britain may be sent back without a hearing, on the decision of a civil servant from the Department of Justice. The council describes the continuing nonimplementation of the Act as a denial of the human rights of refugees (as defined by the Act), as well as an undermining of the democratic process in the Republic of Ireland. At a meeting held on September 25th, the Dublin Council of Churches called on the Government to revoke the procedures currently in operation, and to implement fully - and with adequate funding - the Refugee Act 1996 as a matter of urgency.
Ecumenical Diary
Until November 27th, 7.30 p.m.9 p.m. (10 sessions) Irish School of Ecumenics/ Queen's University, Belfast, "Reconciliation: How and Where?" Course A. Contact ISE. Tel: Dublin 260 1144, Belfast 664424 or 382750.
Belfast
Currently running, 7.30 p.m.9.30 p.m., Irish School of Ecumenics/University of Ulster Certificate Course (run over two years; 16 sessions per year, plus three residential weekends at Corrymeela). For details contact ISE. Tel: Dublin 260 1144, Belfast 664424 or 382750.
Until November 27th, 1997, 7 p.m.9 p.m. (10 Sessions) Irish School of Ecumenics/ Queen's University, Belfast, "Reconciliation in Religion and Society" Course A. For details contact ISE. Tel: Dublin 260 1144, Belfast 664424 or 382750.
Derry
Currently running 10 a.m.1.30 p.m. Irish School of Ecumenics/University of Ulster Certificate Course (run over two years; eight sessions per year, plus three residential weekends at Corrymeela). For details contact ISE. Tel Dublin 260 1144, Belfast 664424 or 382750.
Dublin
November 5th, 1997, 8 p.m. All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. "The Impact of JewishChristian Relations on the Churches in the Wake of the Millennium", speaker: Cardinal I.J. Winning, Archbishop of Glasgow. This public lecture will take place under the auspices of the Irish Council of Christians and Jews.
Newry
November 5th, 1997, 10 a.m.4.15 p.m., SMA Conference Centre, Dromantine (near Newry): "The Churches' Mission: Unity of Purpose, Varieties of Approach". This joint study day provides an opportunity to reflect on the contemporary nature and meaning of mission in both the church and inter-church context. Initial input will be provided by speakers from the Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and Presbyterian traditions, but those attending will have the opportunity to explore aspects of particular interest to them. Further details from Rob Fair michael, Inter-Church Centre, 48 Elmwood Ave., Belfast BT9 6AZ, Tel: 663145
Until December 3rd, 1997, (10 Sessions), 7.30 p.m.-9.30 p.m. "Crossing Borders: The Bible as a Source of Criticism and Hope - A Challenge to Christians in Newry." Further details from ISE. Tel: Dublin 260 1144, Belfast 664424 or 382750.
Items to be included in the Ecumenical Notes should be sent to Dr Andrew Pierce, CITC, Braemor Park, Dublin 14, tel. 492 3506, fax, 492 3082, e-mail apierce@tcd.ie.