Press Release Re Suicide

C U @ the CROSS is the churches' response to the tragedy of suicide across Belfast and beyond, but especially within west and north Belfast. This is a campaign against suicide and its causes showing there is a Better Way.

 

The campaign has been going a few weeks now, but is picking up momentum as it moves towards the 6th November when it will conclude with two special events. The first will be a gathering between the security gates in Northumberland at 12 noon. Many people and churches across the city are planning to attend this event to express solidarity with all who have suffered tragic loss that has impacted and devastated families and communities on both sides of the wall. The second event will be at 7.30 in the evening at New Life City Church, Northumberland Street, with special guest John Edwards from Dublin who will share an amazing story from hopelessness to hope and who now lives to help others.

 

The organising committee commend the great work that others are doing across the community, but Pastor Jack McKee, on behalf of the committee, said, "The church needs to do more than bury the victims of suicide, it needs to do its utmost to help prevent it". He further stated, "Recent suicides have had such an impact on my life that as a local pastor I have had one of those Popeye moments where I have said, "That's all I can stands; I can't stands no more"". Someone had said, "Jack, you should not get angry",  but Jack responded by saying, "Sometimes anger is all we have left". He further states, "The church is damned if it does nothing and it's damned when it does something! So I'd rather be damned for doing something, than damned for doing nothing".

 

While there will be a short service between the gates at 12 noon, this is not about the promotion of religion; it is not an ecumenical service; it is not about the promotion of any individual church; and it is definitely not political or sectarian, but is quite simply the church saying to everyone, "There is a Better Way that brings hope and purpose". We will take the opportunity to pray for all who have been affected and to pray for the future of all our children and young people.

 

The above events are open to everyone.

 

Jack

 Sat. 6th November 12 noon - 12.30 pm & at 7.30 pm

A Campaign against suicide and its causes showing there is a Better Way