19.12.2023
Taoiseach Visits Discovery Gospel Choir in St George and St Thomas’s
By the Revd Philip McKinley
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was among the audience at Discovery Gospel Choir’s Christmas Concert, ‘Joyful Noise’, in St George and St Thomas’s Church, Cathal Brugha Street, on Saturday evening (December 16).
An Taoiseach’s visit took place in the aftermath of the Dublin riots on November 23 which surrounded the church and severely affected a number of local businesses and properties.
His attendance featured as the main photograph on the front cover of the Sunday Independent newspaper the following day, under the caption, “Gospel Choir a Joyful Discovery for Taoiseach”.
The Discovery Gospel Choir is Ireland’s leading intercultural choir and has been based in St George and St Thomas’s Church for almost 20 years. It emerged from the Discovery Ministry to the International Community which was an initiative of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough.
During the Dublin riots a wide range of far right and anti–immigrant sentiments circulated, causing significant fear and trauma to immigrant communities.
Since the riots, Store Street Garda Station and other public representatives have provided valuable support to the diverse members of Discovery Gospel Choir.
Commenting on the visit, the Chairperson of Discovery Gospel Choir, the Revd Philip McKinley said: “The presence of An Taoiseach reinforced the message that Dublin’s north inner city has taken great strides to improve its safety. What this community and Parish needs now is support, not isolation or condemnation. Furthermore, while far right influencers fuelled destruction in Dublin City centre three weeks ago, in contrast, An Taoiseach’s visit proved a most encouraging sign of solidarity with the intercultural mission of Discovery Gospel Choir”.