A group of Christian churches in Co. Westmeath is hosting a conference next week focusing on how Christians can offer a solution to Ireland's economic problems.
Christian Voices Together is an initiative launched last year by the Christian churches in the Mullingar area to support people in the community who have been adversely affected by the current financial crisis.
The group's aim is the building of Christian community and combining of resources to help address problems and give people a real sense of worth and value.
''We came together as a group of clergy in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and decided to begin a journey of looking at how the Lord is calling us as Christians to respond to the current difficulties in Irish society,'' explained chairperson, Rev. Alastair Graham.
''We feel that maybe in some quarters, the Church is not seen as being part of a solution, but we feel the Christian perspective has a very key and integral role to play in finding solutions on a financial, social and personal level.''
A number of Catholic and Church of Ireland churches in the Mullingar area are involved in the initiative, as well as the Presbyterian and Christian Fellowship Church, and the Pentecostal Church is also supportive.
Events over the last year include a service of hope in Mullingar Cathedral, an evening prayer service in All Saints' Parish Church and Christmas carol singing in Mullingar town centre which raised €1,500 for local charities.
Christian Voices Together is an initiative launched last year by the Christian churches in the Mullingar area to support people in the community who have been adversely affected by the current financial crisis.
The group's aim is the building of Christian community and combining of resources to help address problems and give people a real sense of worth and value.
''We came together as a group of clergy in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and decided to begin a journey of looking at how the Lord is calling us as Christians to respond to the current difficulties in Irish society,'' explained chairperson, Rev. Alastair Graham.
''We feel that maybe in some quarters, the Church is not seen as being part of a solution, but we feel the Christian perspective has a very key and integral role to play in finding solutions on a financial, social and personal level.''
A number of Catholic and Church of Ireland churches in the Mullingar area are involved in the initiative, as well as the Presbyterian and Christian Fellowship Church, and the Pentecostal Church is also supportive.
Events over the last year include a service of hope in Mullingar Cathedral, an evening prayer service in All Saints' Parish Church and Christmas carol singing in Mullingar town centre which raised €1,500 for local charities.
The next event will be an open conference on 'How can Christians be part of the solutions to Ireland's difficulties?' on Sunday, January 22 at 2pm.