Church leaders have expressed concern about impact of the Welfare Reform Bill on the most vulnerable
The leaders of the main Churches in Northern Ireland have expressed concern about the impact of the continued uncertainty regarding the Welfare Reform Bill on the most vulnerable members of society.
Church leaders have written to the Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA (pictured), and the chair of the Social Development Committee, Alex Maskey MLA, to seek meetings to discuss the challenges presented by the bill.
Details of the specific measures proposed for the North have not been made available for public consultation.
In their letter, the Church leaders say that this situation “presents a serious obstacle to informed debate in civil society” and “creates fear and anxiety for those who are dependent on welfare payments and now face an uncertain economic future”.
The letter was signed by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop Richard Clarke (Church of Ireland), Rev. Michael Barry (Presbyterian Church), Rev. Peter Murray (Methodist Church) and Rev. Donald Watts, President of the Irish Council of Churches.