Bishop Ken Good in his address to the Derry & Raphoe Synod this week said – In the euro–zone, which includes half of this united diocese, we find ourselves facing the most serious economic and banking challenges that have been experienced for many decades.
He continued – In the UK, and hence in the other half of this diocese, we are contending with an almost stagnant economy that faces major challenges and where there appear to be very few options to reverse in the short term worrisome indicators and trends. As a society, we are navigating precarious and perilous waters.
In both jurisdictions, there is growing concern about pensions. State pensions and personal pension plans are seriously underfunded and many people are increasingly anxious about the implications of reduced income in future years.
Considerable stress is being experienced in many households where meeting monthly mortgage and debt repayments is a debilitating cause of anxiety and pressure. Many families and individuals, including senior citizens, are facing real hardship as they are forced to make tough choices between heating their home or buying sufficient food to eat.
A case has been put forward by some for an amnesty on serious mortgage arrears. Deeper reflection would suggest, however, that such an approach, appealing though it may be, is not economically realistic.
Sadly, such a solution would be virtually impossible to implement equitably and consistently, and therefore could not be accepted as either fair or morally defensible.
What is vital in cases of serious hardship is an approach by the banks and other lending institutions which is as flexible and compassionate as possible.
We are all living with the consequences of cutbacks in state budgets in both jurisdictions, and there are more to come. These tough and even harsh measures are affecting expenditure in many government departments, not least in education.
Investment income in the Representative Church Body, which funds central Church of Ireland allocations, is also under pressure. That is the harsh reality which is affecting church life.
One of the glimpses of more positive economic news is that parts of the agricultural sector, which is strongly represented in this united diocese, is enjoying a more stable period of reasonable income.
It is also true, I suggest, that there are many individuals and households for whom these times are not so difficult financially. In such a situation, there is an opportunity for a more generous and compassionate sharing of resources. There is an opportunity here for giving in ways that will be a real encouragement and blessing to others.
This is the financial context in which we in the Church of Ireland in Derry and Raphoe are called to serve. We do so with understanding, with awareness, with compassion, with hope, with imagination, and also with faith in a God who is bigger than all of these economic challenges, and who we learn to trust for our life and for our needs.
CHALLENGING TIMES FOR EMPLOYMENT
Households in every community and in every parish in the diocese are being impacted by high unemployment figures, by poor job prospects and by the emigration of young people who have little or no choice but to seek work elsewhere in the world.
While watching Ireland’s rugby team’s recent exploits in the New Zealand World Cup, one of the striking features was the very large numbers of young people who have left these shores to find employment on the other side of the globe because prospects here have been so bleak.
This is the employment context in which we in the Church of Ireland in Derry and Raphoe are called to serve with understanding, with awareness, with compassion, with hope, with imagination, and also with faith in a God who is bigger than all of these employment challenges.