As a a representative of the inter–church structures in the public square, “he set a tone for reasoned debate and honest engagement that reflected the Christian call to be good neighbours".

Bishops urged Christians to stand and work together to show solidarity and pastoral outreach and to give hope to people, assuring them that they do not have to face this problem of homelessness alone.

“There are core values and practices arising out of the Gospel that will lie at the heart of all the churches’ contributions at every level of engagement, from informing the opinions of individual members, to official contributions by the churches, to governments and institutions.”

Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “It is shocking to realise that in the twenty-first century, Christians continue to be persecuted, displaced, intimidated, tortured, and even executed on account of their faith. Places of worship are targeted by violence and destruction.”

Director of the Law Centre tells Church leaders not 'demonise' people working in the human rights sector but build relationships with them.

Former director of the bishops' Refugee and Migrant project warns that enforced idleness is unnatural and corrosive of dignity; people need to be allowed to work.

Religious service will mark the commencement of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.