Ireland’s most vulnerable groups

September 26, 2023 in Featured News, News

‘Unheard Voices: Irish Travellers and the Struggle for Social Justice’ is the theme of the latest edition of Working Notes published by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. It features four essays in all, three of which were produced in collaboration with members of the Irish Traveller Community. The fourth essay is a contribution from Dr Steven Horne, a member of the Romany community and author of Gypsies and Jesus. Dr Horne speaks to theologian and Director of the JCFJ Dr Kevin Hargaden, explaining how it is not possible to be a true Christian whilst discriminating against Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people.

In her editorial, Martina Madden says that the travelling community is one of “the most marginalised and vulnerable groups in Ireland”. She notes that travellers are particularly affected by issues such as homelessness and penal policy, areas of advocacy for the JCFJ. Two of the contributions focus on these issues whilst the third focuses on housing, homelessness, and mental health. As Madden further explains, “These issues are discrete but interrelated and are connected by poverty, exclusion, and discrimination”.

To download or read this latest edition of Working Notes click here »