Rethink on Cork church gate collection urged

The Cork Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association would like to express its disappointment at the attempts to ban church gate collections on the southside of Cork City.

Such a move will have a disastrous impact on our capacity to raise funds.

We have 100 members in Cork. Our members depend upon the funds raised for help with vital expenses, such as home improvements, purchase of equipment and transport costs. These funds are now even more essential because of the huge cutbacks in HSE and other public services. Our association does not receive any funding from the State.

We call upon churchgoers, the clergy and the Bishop of Cork to re-consider this attempt to ban church gate collections. Giving to charity is a fundamental principle of the Christian faith. The Church should not take a selfish approach where charity is concerned. By allowing voluntary organisations to take up church gate collections, the Church recognises that giving and receiving connects all members of society. Any attempts to ban church gate collections will further sever the connection the Church has with wider society and inflict pain and suffering on the people who depend on services provided by voluntary organisations.

Donal Guerin

Chairperson

Cork Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association

Ballincollig

Co Cork