EMBRACE would like to thank all who have made donations to the Emergency Fund following the racist attacks on Roma people in S Belfast in June 2009.

In the past this fund has been used to support a variety of needs where there was no recourse to public funds. These have included providing short-term hostel accommodation and flights home for destitute migrant workers, and food and accommodation for people seeking asylum. In every case there was no recourse to public funds and support was given through partner organisations.

During the crisis in June the Emergency Fund served as a channel of support for the Roma people. Much of the finance required to provide shelter and fund the return of those Roma who chose to go back to Romania, was given through the local Housing Executive, however further much needed support came from churches, church groups and individuals. We are grateful to all who have made it possible for us to help by donating to the Emergency Fund. The Fund continues to support Roma people where there is need and no other means of funding. At present we are assisting school pupils with provision of bus passes and uniforms.

If you would like to help, please download, complete and return the donation form here [PDF].

May 2009: EMBRACE AGM considers how we move beyond welcome.
The EMBRACE AGM considered how we move beyond welcome to create meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging for people of all nations. In his address, Pastor Peter Finch (pictured left) spoke of how all people are made in the image of God and their heart cry is the same. Yet we have different cultural identities which we must be aware of in ourselves, in how it affects our view of ourselves and how we perceive people of other cultures, we also need to understand the cultures of those around us in order to correctly interpret behaviour and sensitively build relationships.
He stressed the need for churches to engage practically in expression of welcome and inclusion, being ready to assist with needs such as language support, but also having humility to receive from newcomers.  

Jan 2008
EMBRACE ‘Who’s who? Who’s here?’ leaflet available.
EMBRACE have prepared a leaflet entitled ‘Who’s who? Who’s here?’ which gives summary information relating to commonly asked questions concerning people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants and migrant workers who come to N Ireland. For more information or to obtain free copies, please contact our office.

May 2008
EMBRACE AGM
Deirdre Coghlan provided the keynote address, ‘Life in the Shadows: An Exploration of Irregular Migration in Ireland’ in which she helped explain the different situations which lead to people having irregular immigration status including examples from her research in Dublin. David Craig of Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church in Belfast shared the experience of the congregation as they built relationships with two African families and supported them when their applications for asylum failed.

Committee elections
At the AGM the following were re-elected to the committee: Scott Boldt (Chairperson), Paddy Donnelly, Lynda Gould, Tim Foley, Richard Kerr (Treasurer), Margaret McNulty, Paul Turley, Brighde Vallely and Denise Wright (Secretary/Vice-Chairperson). In addition Perry Gildea and Maura McCallion were newly elected onto the committee.  

Sept 2008
Thank you to St Clement’s
As the St Clement’s Retreat Centre in Belfast closes, EMBRACE pays tribute to the the role of the Redemptorists there, under the leadership of Michael Kelleher, for their support for EMBRACE from its inception and their interest and participation in welcoming migrant people. In addition EMBRACE has enjoyed the service of Paul Turley on the committee, valuing his friendship and spiritual insights. 

Dec 2008
EMBRACE helps facilitate the annual NICRAS Christmas Party
On the evening of Wednesday 17th December the NICRAS Christmas party for people seeking asylum and refugees was held at City Church Belfast. The evening included children’s entertainment, food and music.EMBRACE greatly appreciates the assistance given by Committee, members, friends, the catering team and party planner, Selwan.

May 2007
EMBRACE AGM considers the shadow cast by slavery
The Keynote speaker at the EMBRACE AGM 2007 was Arlington Trotman, the Moderator of the Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe. He said that African descendants are always aware that skin colour is at the heart of the matter. Africans were deemed to be inferior and European enslavers superior. This was used to justify the horrific slave trade, and was reinforced by Enlightenment thinkers. The slave trade was economic and made huge wealth for Britain and Europe, all at the expense of enslaved Aficans traded in America and the Caribbean. Even Christian themes were used to justify enslavement: One of Sir John Hawkin’s slave ships commanded by Francis Drake and owned by Queen Elizabeth was ironically called The Grace of God.
Today, some 10.5 million people exist in various forms of slavery, including bonded labour and sex exploitation. The systematic extraction of mineral resources from Africa and Asia over the centuries has contributed to abject poverty in those continents, and deep mental slavery. The Bible challenges dehumanisation but proclaims the oneness of the human family. We have to strive together to confirm the equality of all human beings, and to reunite humanity socially, economically and politically.