Church leaders unite to urge politicians to sort out welfare impasse

Defiant: Alex Maskey

By Rebecca Black

October 07 2014 11:56 PM

Church leaders have intervened in the current welfare impasse, urging politicians to sort it out.

Senior clerics from the Catholic Church, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church have called on politicians to reach agreement, warning the current situation is creating fear and anxiety.

They have written to Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey and chairman of Stormont's DSD committee Alex Maskey to express their concern about "the impact of the continued uncertainty regarding the Bill on the most vulnerable members of society". In a joint statement the clerics said there was a "clear need to bring the current debate back to a point where further progress can be made in a calmer atmosphere with a view to finding a solution".

They say this situation "presents a serious obstacle to informed debate in civil society" and "creates fear and anxiety for those who are dependent on welfare payments and now face an uncertain economic future".

They say that "due to the lack of clear and specific information, it is not possible to make reliable assessments of the impact of the implementation of the proposed measures".

The DUP and Sinn Fein both welcomed the letter, but stuck firmly to their positions.

The DUP's Sammy Wilson insisted his party secured concessions on welfare reforms, while Sinn Fein's Mr Maskey called for a "united front against Tory cuts".

Mr Wilson said: "It is vital that the public are aware of the issues involved in the welfare reform debate, and that as much information as possible is in the public domain." Mr Maskey said Sinn Fein shared the concerns of the church leaders.

"We are calling for all those who want to protect the most vulnerable in our society from the devastating impact of these cuts to present a united front against these cuts," he said.

A spokesperson for the Department for Social Development said arrangements were being made for a meeting between the church leaders and Mr Storey.

"Minister Storey shares many of the concerns of the church Lladers" she said.

Belfast Telegraph