An estimated 5,000 people marched through the streets of Limerick yesterday (Sunday 10 May) to take a stand against gang violence. The family of murder victim Ray Collins was among those sending a strong message to the gangs.
As well as demonstrating their opposition to violence, the marchers were also calling for the government and An Garda Siochana to do more to combat the gang culture.
Sadly, though, many more stayed away - too afraid of reprisals to join the demonstration.
It is all too easy to give in to fear and despair, to hope that others will fight for what is right and to make excuses for not getting involved.
A drug dealer in Dublin recently boasted that he was 'untouchable' and that he would take on the garda or even the army in order to keep his 'territory'. Is this true? Will we sit back and allow people to lay claim to this country? Or will we stand together to fight evil and violence?
These are serious issues. I believe it is important that Christians in Ireland do not put our head in the sand and ignore the problem. Neither should we simply shake our heads and condemn those who do wrong.
The Christian message of redemption gives hope for change... for wrong to be put right and for good to triumph over evil.
There are battles to be fought at every level: spiritual, social, physical. How will we respond?
Monday, May 11, 2009
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