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Churches unite to establish pastoral care in city centre

FROM church buildings to street preachers, Belfast could hardly be said to lack in expressions of religion.

Yet fewer people are attending church and many city centre and inner-city congregations are struggling to employ full-time staff and remain open.

All of which means it might seem an odd time to try and establish a Belfast city centre chaplaincy.

Yet the team behind the plan believe the need for such a ministry has never been greater nor more timely.

The chaplaincy is the brainchild of several Churches and groups already working in the city centre, including Belfast Central Mission, Urban Soul Cafe and Street Pastors.

They believe that a chaplain could play a vital role in providing pastoral care to the city centre's 100,000 employers, workers, shoppers and residents as well as its eight million tourists.

And while they would have their own distinctive, non-denominational ministry, they would also link people with existing Churches and ministries.

The chaplaincy project received its first public airing yesterday in an event at Belfast City Hall attended by Church, community and business leaders.

Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson said that the chaplaincy project was "one of the most exciting opportunities for the city centre".

Belfast's motto - Protanto quid retribuamus - is drawn from Psalm 116 and broadly means 'what can we give in return for so much'.

Mr Robinson said this was not only a "civic rallying cry but also a biblical one".

The Rev Richard Johnston, superintendent of Belfast Central Mission and one of the drivers of the plan, said: "We need to be caring for those who spend time in the city centre."

Belfast city manager Andrew Irvine, who also volunteers with Street Pastors, said the chaplaincy idea was a "fresh expression of the Church thinking how it connects with people and serves people in this city".

Belfast City Centre Chaplaincy has already defined its mission: "To serve every person who is in the city centre in a manner that demonstrates the love of God. To show compassion, share the Good News of the Christian Gospel and to empower other Christians to impact Belfast city centre for good."