Ritchie meets Church leaders

Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development met with the leaders of the main churches at Parliament Buildings: Archbishop Alan Harper; Archbishop Sean Brady; Rev. Roy Cooper and Rt. Rev. Dr. John Finlay today.

As part of a process of proactive engagement with key stakeholders the Minister had invited the churches to meet and discuss their important role in relation to various areas of her policy remit, including housing and homelessness, legislation concerning charities and liquor licensing, neighbourhood renewal and community regeneration, capacity building and volunteering.

She said: “It was a most productive initial meeting. It was very informative to meet these church leaders and listen to their views on important policy areas and I look forward to working with them over the coming months. Churches are key stakeholders in our society – and indeed partners in tackling problems faced by the communities of which they are part – so it is important to work with them in delivering change for those who need it most.”

The Minister, acknowledging that not only was she new to her post but that for some of the church leaders it was also early in their tenure, indicated that this was an introductory meeting and that further discussions would be held in the future.

Notes to Editors:

Photograph available on the DSDNI website.

For media enquiries please contact the Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.