Safe Space Dublin

For many of us, we experience the sanctuary as a place of peace. The sanctuary is a place that is set apart from daily activities for worship and prayer. When we walk into the space, even empty, it has a special feel to it. Most sanctuary spaces in church buildings give me this feeling of peace and safety. No matter what is happening in my life, when I enter the sanctuary, it is an area of refuge. I know that here I can get help if I need it, and here I will be safe.

As you enter our building from the north side, you might notice a new cling on the door. This sticker displays the image of Safe Space Dublin. This cling refers not only to our sanctuary but to our whole church community. Safe Space Dublin is a new initiative that was brought forth by our police department. As new Americans came into Dublin, it became apparent that they were not all comfortable coming to the police with their problems. This could be due to many reasons: previous encounters, cultural customs, or nervous feelings around a new country’s authority figures. In response, and out of a desire for all people to have access to resources that can help in a time of distress, the police department created Safe Spaces.

Recently, the Prince of Peace staff were asked by Dublin’s Police Chief, Justin Páez, to participate in the training to become a Safe Space for the people of Dublin. Through that experience, we felt moved to become partners with this new initiative and confident in our ability to participate. We proudly placed a Safe Spaces cling on our door in prayerful hope that those in distress in our community will find resources and peace.

With Safe Spaces, the police department hopes to foster that feeling of peace and safety for all people in our community, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, sex, age, disability, and other protected qualities. All people deserve help when they need it. All people deserve to know there are places where they can go.

Here is a great video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfiKlo6tpBM

The Safe Spaces cling on our door has a QR code that folks can scan to access the services they need. We also have business cards at the Welcome Center with a QR code on them if you know someone who might benefit. Keep an eye out for folks who might be looking for this kind of assistance and pray for those in our community who are crying out for help.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Tim