CSR join anti-racism protest in Dublin

The Methodist Church in Ireland, through the Council on Social Responsibility, participated in an Anti-Racism Protest at O'Connell Street,  Dublin on Monday 4th February.

Racism has become a growing problem in the Republic of Ireland in particular. As Methodists we have been keen to be active in speaking out against it.

Monday's protest, however, was different from before - it was a counter-protest as there was another protest taking place elsewhere in the city centre. There were important considerations at play. We are not against well meaning people who may have joined another protest, but we are very much against dangerous narratives that are being promoted. We are clear that those seeking International Protection in Ireland must not be made even more vulnerable by being targets of aggression. CSR has consistently spoken about the real social needs in our land, particularly around housing, that need to be addressed. However, they can not be hijacked by racism.

The counter-protest was arranged by 'United Against Racism', a network of a wide variety of groups coming with various perspectives, but opposed to racism. About ten Methodists, mostly from Dublin, but also from as far away as Cork, participated among the hundreds gathered for the anti-racism demonstration. We had a prominent place near the Spire. Rev Steven Foster, Southern Chairperson, Council on Social Responsibility, was one of the speakers.

Eventually the Anti-Immigration rally marched down O'Connell St. and came to a standstill for a time beside where we were gathered. There was a strong Garda presence, along with good UAR stewarding that ensured safety. However there was loud and vitriolic chanting coming from the anti-immigration rally. It didn't surprise us - we had only asked for adult Methodists who wouldn't feel vulnerable to be there. However, it confirmed our recognition of the need to be there, to confront hateful narratives and to make the church visible in doing so. We came away feeling very glad that we were present and had made this visible witness.