Press Release

“Churches in the Community” conference

Thursday 30 December

“Churches in the Community” is to be the theme of an innovative conference to be held in the Radisson Hotel, Limavady, on 11th and 12th January 2005

The two-day event, jointly organised by Community Relations Officers from six councils across the North West (Derry, Limavady, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Moyle and Magherafelt) is set to bring together over 200 community workers, clergy and lay people from across all denominations.

The keynote speaker, Steve Chalke of the Oasis Trust, is well known for presenting television programmes including ‘Songs of Praise’, and is at the forefront of exploring how churches can play an enriching role in local communities and modern society.

The conference agenda includes an address by the leaders of the four main churches and the Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council as well as workshops, discussion and plenary sessions on challenging and inspirational topics. Day one will address the theology and practical opportunities for transforming communities, whilst the second day, for clergy only, will examine the theology of community involvement.

Sue Gallagher, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council will be attending the event. She commented: “We hope the conference will assist churches in developing community partnerships and exploring how to address cultural and social issues in modern society. Churches can play a central role in bridge-building and reconciliation within and between communities.”

The regional initiative, achieved by the Northern Forum of Community Relations Officers, is supported by the District Council Community Relations Programme (OFMDFM), the Community Relations Council and the Irish School of Ecumenics. Admission to the conference is by advance registration through the relevant area Community Relations Officer only.

“There has been an excellent response locally to the news of the conference” said Sue Gallagher. “All the places allocated to the Derry City Council area were enthusiastically booked up by interested individuals from across all sections of the community well before Christmas.”

The Community Relations Officers from across the six councils are confident the event will prove both inspirational and relevant for all those attending.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Press call for photographs/interview is Tuesday 11th January 5.30pm – 6pm Radisson Hotel, Limavady. Unfortunately opportunity for press coverage outside this time will not be possible.

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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