Panel named for annual Ballymacash Discussion Forum

Wednesday March 11th 2015

Rosamond Bennett, Chief Executive of Christian Aid Ireland, is one of the panelists at the Ballymacash Discussion Forum on March 31.

St Mark’s Church, Ballymacash, Lisburn, is hosting its annual Seize the Day! Discussion Forum on ‘putting faith into practice’ on March 31.

The Forum, which has been taking place during Holy Week for a number of years, gets underway in the Canon Jones Hall at 8pm, following the 7.30pm service.

This year’s Forum is chaired by Richard McReynolds. The Panel comprises:

Mrs Rosamund Bennett, Chief Executive of Christian Aid Ireland; Mr Alban Maginness, MLA for North Belfast; Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, MP for Lagan Valley; Mr Barkley Campbell, former Head of Sixth Form, Laurelhill College; the Rev Dr Bert Tosh , Cleric and Broadcaster; and Mr Trevor Douglas, Development Officer, Diocese of Connor.

The Forum takes the format of the BBC’s Question Time, and the Panel will consider the following questions:

It is 70 years since Christian Aid was established in response to the issue of refugees and immigrants at the end of the Second World War. There still remains a huge refugee / immigrant problem. What measures or strategies should be adopted to alleviate this problem today?
With regard to education, Northern Ireland has a high percentage of non-qualified school leavers relative to other regions of the United Kingdom. What remedial action needs to be implemented?
Statistical evidence suggests a steady exodus of young people from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and further afield. Are we educating our young people for export?
What is your vision for Northern Ireland in 2020.

Once the members of the Panel have had an opportunity to respond to each question, the audience will be invited to make comments and ask supplementary questions.

The Seize the Day Discussion Forum is open to all.