Northern Ireland

Discussions to take place about installation of 'Homeless Jesus' statue Belfast City Hall

The 'Homeless Jesus' statue which currently lies outside Centenary House in Belfast. Picture By Hugh Russell
The 'Homeless Jesus' statue which currently lies outside Centenary House in Belfast. Picture By Hugh Russell The 'Homeless Jesus' statue which currently lies outside Centenary House in Belfast. Picture By Hugh Russell

BELFAST City Council is to liaise with the organisers of an initiative which aims to install a statue of a 'Homeless Jesus' on a bench outside City Hall.

A request has been submitted to the council to allow the bronze sculpture to be placed outside the city centre landmark, to raise awareness of homelessness in Belfast.

The statue, which was designed by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, depicts a homeless man sleeping on a bench. On closer inspection, the figure can be identified as Jesus by the marks on his feet.

One of the Homesless Jesus statues currently lies outside Centenary House on Victoria Street in the city, which is run by the Salvation Army.

The request is being considered by members of the council's People and Communities committee. On Tuesday, it approved letting council officers speak with the organisers of the initiative, before it is brought back to the committee for further discussion.

It is expected that the request will be debated and voted on at a later date.

There are also plans for a procession from Centenary House to the Morning Star Hostel on the Falls Road during an annual event to highlight homelessness.

Support from the council is being sought for the procession, which is due to take place in November, when it is envisaged that it will end with the 'Homeless Jesus' sculpture being placed on a bench outside City Hall.