Showing our opposition to racism and violence at Dublin Solidarity March

The Methodist Church in Ireland will be participating in the ‘Stand Together’ Solidarity March in Dublin on Saturday 2nd March.

We invite Methodists to be present and march behind our banner.

Over recent times, those who have racist views have been more emboldened to speak in public and online, with much anti-immigrant sentiment expressed. Racism stands against the heart of our understanding of all being made in the image of God, and so we are very keen to combat it. We believe also that it is important as Methodists to make our opposition to racism very visible.

This march will be on a large scale, like the Solidarity March we participated in a year ago. It will have a positive message of standing together against racism, hate, war and social and economic inequality. (Which of course, reflect our Christian social values.)

We recognise that this comes only a few weeks after we highlighted a counter-demonstration in Dublin. That was a very different event and a lot smaller and one that we were glad that we participated in. At the time, we were not aware of this event. This, however, is an event where all Methodists can participate.

The event is being organised by Le Chéile, a network of a variety of groups that are opposed to racism and concerned that all would be treated well in Irish society. As always, we note that we may not agree with other positions of every group. The march will include a variety of advocacy, community and political groups – but all are opposed to racism and anti-immigrant sentiment and are seeking a better public conversation.

This event will be very positive and large in number. We are inviting all to be present as part of our Methodist group. As a large public gathering, we remind everyone that you are responsible for the personal safety of yourself, family and possessions. We also note that it’s impossible to rule out opposition by any groups of onlookers. However, it is a large, positive and united gathering and it will be very well stewarded and policed by Gardaí.

The Solidarity March will begin on Saturday 2nd March after 1.30pm from the Garden of Remembrance. Just so you can locate the rest of the Methodist group more easily, we will be present with our banner nearby 35 Parnell Square from 1.15-1.25pm. We look forward to seeing you there, from wherever across the island you're coming.

The Council on Social Responsibility of the Methodist Church in Ireland
The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev David Turtle
The General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Dr Heather Morris