Churches across Northern Ireland are being called the “National Help Service” for their crucial contribution to society, saving the NHS an estimated £8.4 billion annually. Recent research by the National Churches Trust emphasises the significant social role of churches, offering vital services such as addiction recovery, mental health support, youth programmes, and food banks. Despite their efforts, churches often go unrecognised in government policies, particularly in Northern Ireland, where devolved governance has been persistently unstable.

Faith remains deeply ingrained in Northern Irish society, with half of the population identifying as practising Christians, according to the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland’s Good News People report. Yet, faith-based organisations are glaringly absent from the region’s draft Programme for Government, leaving churches and charities underfunded and overlooked. Rev Brian Anderson of the Coalition of Christian Voices Against Poverty highlighted that churches not only assist those in need through direct initiatives like food banks and community fridges but they also challenge political leaders to deliver meaningful social change.

Policymakers are being urged to form stronger partnerships with faith organisations, recognising their significant contributions to community life. Advocates have called for better inclusion of churches in government decision-making processes and financial support for faith-led initiatives, emphasising that churches are ready collaborators eager to build a better future for all.

Churches are more than places to worship; they support vulnerable people and help where public services can’t. Since faith is still important in Northern Ireland, many believe the government should work more closely with them.

Source: The Irish News