By Magheragall Methodist Church
Insidiously, attitudes towards the poor are influenced by media headlines and political sound bites; as Christians our thinking and attitudes must be shaped by Scripture. To this end, the Irish Methodist Council of Social Responsibility (CSR) has partnered with the Methodist Newsletter to provide a pull-out Bible study resource in the April magazine designed to get readers thinking about poverty and truth telling. The Bible passages and questions can be used in small groups, youth clubs or women’s groups. CSR encourages Methodists to examine their attitudes in the light of Scripture, challenge the myths they hear expressed and speak up for the poor.
Meanwhile the Belfast District of the Methodist Church in Ireland, meeting for their Spring Synod has issued the following Statement:
‘The Belfast District Synod of the Methodist Church in Ireland notes with dismay the current impasse in the Stormont Assembly with regard to Welfare Reform and the budget. We urge our representatives to build on the understanding within the Stormont House Agreement to find an appropriate accommodation that will enable the effective functioning of government and public services in Northern Ireland whilst protecting the poor and vulnerable in our society.’
Read the full article here: https://methodistnewsletterireland.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/ending-comfortable-myths-about-poverty/
