1. Churches’Commission for Migrants in Europe
MIRACLE Project
3-5 May 2010
Brussels
Adrian Cristea

2. The Parish-based Integration Project
Introducing
The Parish-based Integration Project

3. Parish-based Integration Project
Supporting Integration of Immigrants into Parishes/Local Congregations
Identifying Models of Good Practice
Networking with relevant bodies within the churches

4. Emerging issues Inward migration Increased diversity
At local parish/congregation level
Inward migration
Increased diversity
Change in ethnic profile of congregations
Local parishes as focal points for support
Strong church links in countries of origin

5. Project Goals Creation of web site (www.iccsi.ie) Resource Material
Case Studies of Successful Integration Initiatives
Parish Based Integration activities
Contact Points and Networking
Services
Central Support Resource
Dissemination of information within churches
Training Programmes/Assistance to Church Communities

6. The Project promotes RESPECT
Cultural differences in our churches
More than acknowledgement and tolerance
Realisation that difference is a permanent feature of reality
Understanding that difference should be valued in its own right
Difference that has a sense of engagement and interaction

7. Challenges for our Churches…
Churches as mediating structure in society
Challenge – Becoming welcoming churches
Changed tougher economic climate

8. Barriers to integration
Racism
“Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
Where racism and xenophobia are active ingredients in the life of a country these will also exist within churches.

9. Racial Discrimination
"We are living in a society where racism is officially sanctioned, approved and legislated for."
Reports of racial discrimination up 106% in 2007
23% migrants experienced racism
“Black immigrants nine times more likely to be unemployed”
66% Irish people suggest tighter controls on immigration

10. Media “fuelling” racial attitudes
Sensational reporting such as:
“Many bogus asylum applicants are arriving here armed with an information pack on how to beat the system”
“An overview of the asylum seeker situation estimated that 90 per cent of claims are bogus”
“False claims help bill for asylum seekers to hit €300m”
“State saves €170,000 in deportation 'jet-share' “

11. How should our Churches respond?
Advocacy on human rights-based migration policy
Becoming active partners in society
Act as Faith Communities and share common beliefs with certain migrant communities
Promotion of migrant support programmes
Becoming resources for bridging between different cultures

12. Specific Action Oriented Projects Migrant Vote Campaign – Dublin City
Migrant led and facilitated by Local Authority
Diverse ethnic and religious steering group
Action oriented
Goals
Build/improve voter education
Increase participation to democratic process
Support integration process at local level – Politics!
Challenges
Languages
Reluctance to get involved with statutory agencies

13. Churches cannot afford to be complacent…
Need for proactive policies in our Churches
Need for long-term strategic planning
Need for non-discriminating policies in employment in our Churches

14. Recommendations
Develop and endorse a strategic framework and anti-racist strategies
Set clear implementation and review deadlines
Establish or resource existing expert bodies working in this area
Explore channels of communication with new faith communities

15. To Remember
It is not enough to confess that we believe in the Universal Church, it is necessary for us to live what we confess
“The mission of God is not fully served in a local community, unless the local church begins to reflect something of the richness and diversity of the people of that area.”