Speaking at the annual Northern Ireland forum of the Churches' Community Work Alliance in Belfast today, the Minister encouraged the churches to press on with their efforts and to engage with her Department in its community development work.
The Minister said: “Our churches have remained very much at the heart of many of our most disadvantaged communities. I and my Executive colleagues hope to harness their sense of mission in our efforts to make Northern Ireland a better place for all our people, regardless of class or creed, gender or ethnic background. I believe that the Christian Church shares our commitment to work towards a fair and just society with equal rights, freedoms and opportunity for all.
“I can see Government and Church working together even more closely to help those in most need. Community development is a priority for me and I want to work with the Churches to make it an integral part of the service the church provides to the local community.”
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