St Mark’s, Ballymacash, annual discussion forum

Monday April 13th 2015

The panel at St Mark’s Church Discussion Forum: Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, Mrs Rosamund Bennett, Mr Richard McReynolds, Rev Dr Bert Tosh, Mr Barkley Campbell and the rector of Ballymacash, the Rev Canon George Irwin

A discussion forum on putting faith into practice was held in St Mark’s Church, Parish of Ballymacash, during Holy Week.

The annual Seize the Day! Forum was chaired by Richard McReynolds, and panel members were: Mrs Rosamund Bennett, Chief Executive of Christian Aid Ireland; Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, MP for Lagan Valley; Mr Barkley Campbell, former Head of Sixth Form, Laurelhill College; and the Rev Dr Bert Tosh , Cleric and Broadcaster.

The Forum took the format of the BBC’s Question Time, and the panel considered 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?
Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, MP for Lagan Valley and Mr Bert Tosh, Cleric and Broadcaster who were members of the Panel for A Discussion Forum on putting Faith into Practice held by St Mark’s Church, Parish of Ballymacash.

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?

After the members of the Panel had an opportunity to respond to each question, the audience was invited to make comments and ask supplementary questions.

Mr Richard McReynolds who acted as Chairman of a Discussion Forum on putting faith into practice discusses the topics with Mrs Rosamond Bennett CEO of Christian Aid Ireland at St Mark’s, Ballymacash.