Newry is a short drive from the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is situated on the main route between Belfast and Dublin. With a long and painful history of fiercely contested sovereignty, and now with uncertainties related to Brexit, the centre of mission’s aim of proclaiming the gospel’s Good News, peace, and reconciliation is timely and poignant. The last national census showed that the average age of Newry is thirty-five, with single-parents making up one in ten households. The centre of mission began work in 2021, so this make-up of Newry will guide how it’s work develops and how they reach out to the area.

Laurence’s Faith Story

In this video, hear from Church Army’s Laurence Bellew about his faith journey. Video created by Diocese of Down and Dromore. Used with permission