Members of Synod were urged to go back to their dioceses and parishes and listen to those who may be struggling as a result of the recession. Synod unanimously passed a motion which stated: ‘Recognising that Ireland is passing through profound social and economic changes which have had impacts at societal, community and individual levels and which have substantially changed to the context of mission of the church, this Synod requests the dioceses, parishes and individual church members to reflect upon the nature of those changes and to initiate conversations on how we may practically respond to the challenges we now face.”

Proposing the motion Phyllis Grothier, All Ireland President of Mothers’ Union, pleaded with members of Synod to listen to neighbours and citizens who are under such pressure today. She said members of the farming community were also experiencing unprecedented difficulties.

“We as a church are ideally placed to support people who are struggling, through prayer and practical ways. We need to listen, encourage and support those who find life so difficult at the present time,” she said.

The motion was seconded by Gillian Purser (Cashel and Ossory). She said she was involved in packing Christmas hampers for the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She said: “We’re not looking for more organisations to be set up or more committees. We’re asking you to talk to the people in your parish. We found when delivering the hampers they looked like middle class houses. Please look behind closed doors. Visit your neighbours. It’s a problem that is visiting more and more families and more and more of your friends. It’s a problem people keep secret. You can help by talking to people and listen to them,” she said.

Revd David Gillespie (Dublin), a director of Protestant Aid, said PA offered grant assistance to anyone (not just Protestants) in financial need in the Republic of Ireland. “We have money to give away but we can’t give it away unless we know of a particular need. I appeal to my clerical colleagues to let us know of cases of concern,” he stated.

Mr Sam Harper said this was an area that the Church has not often been involved in in the past. However, he said that now things were going wrong and people didn’t know where to turn and are ashamed to look for help. If they just have a shoulder and an ear to listen to them and to guide them – that’s what we need. We need to be sure to find them and give them that ear in their desperate situation.

Canon Horace McKinley (Dublin) said support had to be in three ways: prayer, pastoral care and grant aid or practical action. He said he had found Protestant Aid to be a wonderful support and the Country Air Association in Dublin was helpful.

Walter Pringle (Clogher) spoke of the crisis in the farming community and the importance of helping people in great need.

The Revd Mark Harvey (Down) spoke opening a foodbank with several churches in his area. And encouraged people to look at working together on the issue.

Archbishop Clarke reminded members that while Synod was being asked to approve the motion it required action at diocesan and parish level. The motion was passed unanimously.