THE Church of Ireland’s Diocese of Derry and Raphoe held its inaugural service for Racial Justice Sunday in Letterkenny today.
The service, which was held in Conwal Parish Church, focused on celebrating diversity under the theme ‘welcoming the stranger’.
Rev Adrian Dorrian, who became Rector of Conwal and Gartan last March, said the decision to hold the first service in Letterkenny reflected the town’s racial diversity.
Moving to the area from Downpatrick, Co Down, almost one year ago, he said it is “incredibly enriching” to see.
“Letterkenny is a real kaleidoscope now,” Rev Dorrian told the Donegal News.
“As I have come to move to Letterkenny, it is a more racially diverse town than where I lived before.
“Although Downpatrick was also quite racially diverse, I found that to be incredibly enriching.”
Last year, the Church of Ireland formally adopted Racial Justice Sunday as a set Sunday in the church’s year.
Centred on recognising diversity, the service also recognises that throughout our own communities and around the world, injustice still exists.
“The purpose of this service really is to celebrate that diversity and to name the fact that the church should be a place where everyone can feel welcome,” Rev Dorrian continued.
“There is a theme every year and the theme this year is a really simple one, ‘welcoming the stranger’.”
Yesterday’s service at Conwal Parish Church featured hymns, readings, prayers and special performances, with the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Andrew Forester, serving as preacher.
At the start of the service, Letterkenny Musical Society performed the opening number of their new musical ‘Come from Away’, which is all about welcoming the stranger.
Later, those in attendance were encouraged to light candles referencing the Tilley Lamp in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Visible from the main road through the Phoenix Park in Co Dublin, the light is a symbolic beacon, lighting the way for Irish emigrants and their descendants and welcoming them to their homeland.
Commenting on this, Rev Dorrian said, “Ireland, at the moment, is a country where welcome is really important.
“We have been welcoming lots of immigrants, but also, Ireland is a country of emigration.”
Local musician Zara Montgomery sang ‘Light the Wings’ from Riverdance during the candle-lighting, a piece reflecting Ireland’s emigrant culture.
As the service came to a close, students from Coláiste Ailigh led prayers in Irish, while representatives of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Indian tradition, led prayers in their own language.
