'Time to call out those who peddle racial hatred'

The Westmeath-born Archbishop of Dublin has said it is time to call out those who peddle racial hatred and those who seek to divide our community through rumour and malice.

Archbishop Dermot Farrell, a native of Castletown Geoghegan, in a statement today said that recent attacks on members of the Indian community in Dublin have been truly shocking.

“These unprovoked attacks on people, including a child, who were apparently targeted solely because of their ethnic identity, have generated understandable fear and alarm among the Indian community,” he said, in a statement.

“The truth is that the Indian community in Dublin comprises many people who have come to Dublin to make an important and valued contribution to our society.  We are all familiar with the vital presence of Indian professionals in our healthcare system, without whom many healthcare needs simply could not be met.  Others apply their skills in other important sectors of the economy and also contribute to funding public services through their taxes.

“It is not only through their work lives that our Indian neighbours and fellow citizens are enriching our society.  The diversity of Indian culture and traditions add to the vitality of life in Dublin.  In particular, many Indian families are playing an increasingly prominent role in the parishes and school communities of the Archdiocese of Dublin.

“Indian priests, religious and lay volunteers are an increasingly important presence in the pastoral life of the Church in Dublin.  That gives the lie to the vile and blasphemous claims of some who spread the poison of racial hatred on social media, and otherwise that their views are somehow protecting Christianity.

“It is time to call out those who peddle racial hatred.  It is time to stand up to those who seek to divide our community through rumour and malice.  Our parishes and school communities have already given a warm welcome to Indian families who have made their homes here.  I urge them to strengthen that spirit of solidarity, not only with Indian members of parish communities, but with all of our Indian neighbours.

“I call on everyone to support the Gardaí in every way to confront and defeat those whose actions have contributed to the fear now being experienced in the Indian community in Dublin.”