Does the church stand by ethnic minorities when they are distrusted, feared and hated by so many – even when they are Travellers?

This was one of the questions faced when the diocese hosted a day conference on the issues of the Gypsy and Traveller communities in the region. The conference drew together police and council officers, charities, magistrates, health workers, educationalists and faith community leaders as well a members of the various Travelling communities living in the area.

Chaired by Robert Hill, Social Responsibility Adviser, the day long event took the form of a structured conversation. A series topics were each introduced by someone directly involved with that issue, then there was a time of open discussion and debate. Topics included a historical background to Traveller history, local authority issues, the human perspective, keeping the peace, mental health issues and the recent migration of Romanian Gypsies. This topic was introduced by two Roma ladies who have themselves just settled in the region.

Key points raised at the event included the need for more legal sites and pitches for travelling families, so that they have somewhere to stop rather than on the road-side or on unauthorised sites, and the political reality that ‘Localism’ will make such provision far more difficult whilst prejudice is still strong. The need to think differently about the provision of health, education and employment support for young adults, especially in the area of mental health, was discussed and links made between a number of organisations. It was also agreed that the realities (rather than myths) of Gypsy and Traveller life and culture need to be portrayed more clearly and accurately.

How the Christian church engages with the issue was highlighted by Bishop Donald, who spoke of our showing of Christ’s love for everyone no matter their background. In a discussion about the response of the church to Travellers it was noted that one church (not in our diocese) had removed its outside taps so that Travellers in a nearby field could not get fresh water, even for their children. It was agreed by all that this was not proper Christian behaviour. Some felt that, in villages where Travellers live, the church only reflected the majority settled view without even seeking to know about the Traveller communities in the area. It was acknowledged that many clergy do make positive links with the Travelling communities but that more could be done to break down the barriers of distrust and myth that surround these peoples.

Photo: Bishops Donald and John meet some of those attending over the lunch break.

The Gypsy and Traveller Day Conference was hosted by the Diocese of Peterborough and the Christian Network for Gypsies and Travellers, on 28 June 2011 at St Mary’s, Peterborough.

For more information contact Robert Hill, Social Responsibility Adviser. robert.hill@peterborough-diocese.org.uk