Christians and the Far Right

In this week’s guest blog, journalist Declan McSweeney considers how Christians in Ireland should respond to the rise of far-right groups.

The response of the Irish churches to the emergence of far-right groups in the Republic’s politics, albeit to a small degree, is certain to be a significant challenge in the years to come. The recent council elections saw a handful of councillors from such parties elected, one each from the Irish Freedom Party and the National Party, both in the Dublin area, along with two independents who had been involved in anti-immigration protests, again in the capital.

It is important not to exaggerate the scale of the vote for such groups; despite high expectations that they were going to make a political breakthrough, their overall vote in both council and European Parliament elections was derisory.

However, it could be argued that voters panicked at the potential emergence of such groups and rallied behind Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour and other long-established parties, though Sinn Féin performed well below its expectations also.

While 186 independent councillors were elected, it would be a travesty to link any but a handful of them with the far right – most had a sound, track record on local issues e.g. Offaly councillors Sean O’Brien and John Leahy, both of whom totally rejected efforts to spread division between native Irish and immigrants.

Nonetheless, it was noticed during the election campaign that many candidates from minority backgrounds were singled out for threats and abuse: “Threats to election candidates from minority backgrounds 'dangerously off the wall', Tánaiste says. (thejournal.ie)”

At the same time, the number of far right councillors elected was dwarfed by the record number of immigrant councillors elected, along with a few of second generation or mixed ancestry: “Election results a ‘good omen’ for migrants – Sr Stan - The Irish Catholic.”

Sister Stanislaus Kennedy and Father Peter McVerry, both of whom are legendary figures for their work for the indigenous homeless as well as immigrants, see room for optimism. The latter says most Irish have no problem with immigrants themselves but with a lack of adequate services for the growing population.

Father McVerry remarked: “I always say about the anti-immigrants, if the non-Irish people working in Ireland were to go on strike for a day, our hospitals would close, public transport would shut down, many of the shops, retail units we have would not be able to function. They are making a huge contribution to Irish society, and to Irish culture and diversity which is great.”

Sister Stan also highlights the economic contribution migrants make: “Work needs to be done to encourage immigrants and help them find their place in Ireland, so many of them are working and they are contributing to society, and it is never highlighted. All that is highlighted is that something bad that has happened, about the tents on the street – that’s all we hear – but there is the other side of migrants being integrated, making their contribution and it’s important to highlight that.”

That contribution has also been remarked on by Dublin’s Catholic Archbishop, Dermot Farrell, who hit out at the claims by some anti-migrant groups that they were defending Ireland’s Christian heritage. He pointed out the strong Christian faith of so many of the country’s immigrants: “Archbishop pleads for end of hostility towards immigrants | Irish Independent”

It must be remembered that 95% of non-Irish citizens in the Republic are working: “Migrants in the labour force in 2022 - The European Migration Network (emn.ie) , with only one-two percent seeking asylum.”

However, it’s not only Roman Catholic leaders who have spoken out against the misinformation being spread by the far right. Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell ably rebutted the ‘Ireland is full’ argument: “General Synod 2024 Opens – Presidential Address Focuses on Christian Citizenship and Reconciliation in a Conflicted World - The United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough (Church of Ireland) (anglican.org)”

Former Presbyterian Moderator Dr David Bruce has also made telling comments in a BBC interview: “Rev David Bruce: 'Racism is an evil that needs rooted out' - BBC News”

Christian churches in many countries have had to take a clear stance in relation to the far right. In Germany, Catholic and Lutheran leaders have been forceful in their condemnation of the AfD, despite a general reluctance to comment on party politics: Germany's Catholic Church speaks out against far right – DW – 02/23/2024

As long ago as 2014, the Church of England stated that membership of the British National Party or the National Front would constitute a potential disciplinary offence for clergy: “BNP and National Front incompatible with teaching of Church | The Church of England” while back in 2009 the BNP’s efforts to use Christian imagery led to its followers being ejected from Lichfield Cathedral by Archdeacon Chris Liley.

So, what is the most effective strategy for Irish churches in combating the far right? As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, I feel that it could look at the British example of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice, which has done a great deal of good work. Perhaps Father McVerry or Sister Stan might start a similar body in Ireland?

It is also important to get across the point, as many bishops have already done, that most of the immigrants are Christians, contrary to the misinformation constantly put out by the far right that they are Muslim. In fact, analysis of census figures shows only about five percent of immigrants are Muslim, with about a similar proportion being of other faith groups such as Hindus, Jews and Sikhs.

The Irish Catholic newspaper has done an excellent job in reporting on the involvement of Catholics from many lands in parishes across the country, and of course a similar involvement is found in many Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, Methodist and other Christian groups.

To effectively combat racism at a local level, it is vital for all the churches, including those with a majority immigrant membership (such as the Orthodox and some Pentecostal churches) to work together on such issues, regardless of what other differences they may have.

At times clergy can be reluctant to get to know pastors of another church that they are unfamiliar with, and they need to be proactive in this regard.

Declan McSweeney is an Irish journalist currently based in England. He was a reporter for over 18 years with the now-closed Offaly Express in Tullamore, and has also worked in London with the Romford Recorder and the Associated Press.