As part of the diocesan initiative to integrate immigrant people into the mainstream of church life a conference on immigrant peoples and pastoral care challenges and achievements was held at ST. Joseph Church in Gateshead on March 28th

This followed up on the research work on the subject done by Dorota Antoniak, and it worked out a future course of action for migrant communities.

Bishop Seamus spoke of his early days as a migrant to England and how challenging it was to come to terms with the new culture. He told meeting “You have a lot to bring to the local community, your deep faith and family values.” He appealed to them not just to stay within their fold but to reach out to the wider community and enrich them with their experiences. Facilitator for the day, Alfie Joey, of the Radio Newcastle spoke of cultural diversity of North East.

Newcomers to Britain from African, polish, Filipino and Indian malayalee communities shared their viewpoint and how they overcame the challenges. Researcher Dorota Antoniak outlined key findings of her work, which was done with a particular focus on migrants from Poland, The Philippines and India. Mr. Sibby Thomas, Mr. Soy Joseph and Mr. Shaju John who are representatives from the ICA (Indian Cultural Association Sunderland) and St Joseph Indian prayer group were present for this meeting. Fr Jeffery Dodds said this survey would act as a springboard to move forward and work cohesively for the migrant community.

Sunderland South MP Chris Mullin said that the North East had been insular until the Irish community started migrating here and now there were pockets of Chinese people in Newcastle, Yemenis in North Shields and Bengalis in Sunderland.

While he appreciated that the migration has boosted the UK economy and enriched its culture, He took a hard line on asylum seekers and refugees, admittedly saying that this came from the abuse of the asylum system.

.Mr. Mullin expressed hope that the stringent regulation in place will overcome this in due course. After a group discussion it was decided to have a migrant’s day, Food sharing events between local and migrant community, prepare cultural events, to prepare booklet for the migrants, create awareness and that everyone must be prepared to change for the good of all.

Chairman of the Working Group for Immigrant People, Fr Chris Jackson thanked the participants for their active involvement but said that event could have been cancelled as only six people confirmed that they would come along. “I then left it to the providence of God and it worked,” Fr Jackson summed up.