Things to do if conflict threatens

Things to do if conflict threatens . . .

 The presence of a Gypsy or Traveller site within a settled community can often be the cause of tension and conflict.

Conflict can arise for various reasons, including

·            the arrival of Gypsies or Travellers to form an unauthorised site in or near the settled community

·            the increase (or planned increase) in size of an existing Gypsy or Traveller site

·            plans for an authorised site being considered by the Local Authority.

Objections are voiced by members of the settled community who might be concerned about

·            an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour

·            an expected loss in value of houses and land

·            increased pressure on local schools and medical services

Often people’s worries will include a ‘fear of the unknown’ and some vague sense of ‘the alien in our midst’.

Although such fears are usually totally misplaced, they can lead to strong emotions in the community. It is not uncommon for special ‘action groups’ to be formed, mass meetings arranged and campaigns organised to ‘get them out.’ This process will often be supported and encouraged by local Councillors, MPs and media. It is not unusual for something approaching hysteria to take over the community. Life can become unpleasant and frightening.

The role of the Church . . .

 In such situations of conflict the Church is in a unique position to act as a reconciler and bridge-builder. Many organisations and groups will seek to get involved; the Church is the best placed to be of effective help

·            It has the respect of most sections of the community. Even those who do not attend Church will respect the Church for getting involved.

·            It is the organisation most likely to be seen as impartial. There are many Gypsy and Traveller support groups that might get involved; they will be seen as ‘favouring’ the Gypsies and Travellers. Local Councils are expected to support the settled community. Political groups of the extreme right and left might try to use the situation for their own ends. The Church, however, is not ‘owned’ by any section of the community.

·            The Church is local. Most of the groups likely to get involved will come from outside the community. Church members, however, will be members of the community. The Church can help to heal divisions from within – far more effective than having someone outside the community solving your problems for you.

·            The Church will have buildings and other resources that can be used.

·            The Church has a clear vision of justice and compassion. This is perhaps the Church’s greatest asset. It can bring to the situation an objectivity based on prayer and a vision of the Kingdom.

How the Church might help . . .

 No two situations are identical. However, the following provides a list of ways in which the Church can help. (More practical suggestions are given in the next section).

·            It is likely that a conflict between the Travelling and settled community is characterised by a breakdown of communication – quite simply, the two sides will not be talking to one another. The priest, minister or Church representative should seek to establish communication.

·            It is important that the Church takes care to learn something of the history and culture of Gypsies and Travellers, the social pressures under which they live, and the laws that apply to them. There are many websites that will give this information in summary – including this one. You might also look at

o      The Traveller Law Reform Project (www.travellerslaw.org.uk) (with useful links to other sites)

o      The Commission for Racial Equality (www.cre.gov.uk) – look under ‘Good Practice’ and ‘Gypsies and Irish Travellers’

·            It is important that the Church sees its responsibility to all sections of the community. In reaching out to the Gypsies and Travellers, it must also be seen to be listening to the concerns of the settled community. It must try very hard not to take sides. (This can sometimes be difficult; there are likely to be members of the Church’s own congregation who will have strong views).

·            The Church must take every opportunity to be a voice of moderation. There might be public meetings dominated by angry members of the settled community. Travellers find it difficult to speak at such meetings (and might be howled down if they do). However, if the Church speaks up for moderation, it will find supporters.

·            It is important to remember that terms of abuse such as ‘gyppo’ and ‘pikey’ are as offensive to the Travelling community as ‘nigger’ or ‘pakki’ are to the black and Asian communities. They should never be used or tolerated. Indeed, the use of such terms of abuse is illegal under the Race Relations Act; English Gypsies and Irish Travellers are recognised as distinct racial groups under law.

·            It should be remembered that, in situations of conflict, Gypsies and Travellers will be as frightened and apprehensive as the settled community. They may exhibit bravado, but they have a long history of persecution and insecurity. They fear conflict as much as anyone.

·            Most Gypsy and Traveller communities are semi-literate. This makes them feel insecure when contacting or visiting local doctors or schools. They will often visit in a large group which the settled community finds intimidating.

·            Gypsies and Travellers are not dirty – quite the opposite; you cannot live in a caravan without observing strict rules of hygiene. However, Gypsy and Traveller sites often create rubbish. Councils are reluctant to provide rubbish collection for unauthorised sites as this would give them some legitimacy. The rubbish is a poor advertisement for the Gypsies and Travellers. It is useful to try and negotiate some way of coping with this.

·            Gypsies and Travellers need to be reminded how easy it is for them to confirm the settled community’s prejudices. They must take care with their behaviour. They must control the less socially responsible members of their community.

Some practical suggestions . . .

 There are many practical steps that the local Church can take. Not all of the following will be appropriate, but some might be useful.

·            The priest or minister should visit the site – not to criticise but to listen. There is no personal danger in this; Gypsies and Travellers have a respect for the Church. They will be delighted to welcome someone who is prepared to listen to them. (Gypsy and Traveller groups have no formal leaders but there will be ‘elder statesmen’ who can speak for the group and have some influence over it).

·            Equal efforts should be made to contact members of the settled community who feel particularly threatened. It is important to be seen to be even-handed.

·            Invite leaders of the Travelling Community to your home to meet members of the settled community. Hospitality defuses anger.

·            Set up meetings between leaders of the two communities to discuss the things that are causing tension. The settled community might be represented by Parish Councillors, Borough Councillors or Residents Associations.

·            Organise meetings for wider groups: Gypsy and Traveller representatives, District or Borough Councillors and Council Officers, police, welfare groups serving the Gypsies or Travellers.

·            Speak to the local schools. These are in the ‘front line’. They respond to an influx of Gypsies or Travellers with various degrees of sensitivity.

·            Try to counter misinformation and exaggeration in the local media. (This can often be a fruitless task). Use the Church channels of communication to present a more balanced message

·            Arrange for the local bishops, other Church leaders, the MP etc to visit the Gypsy or Traveller site. Take Council leaders to meet Gypsy or Traveller leaders on the site – this can often be an eye-opening experience for those who must take relevant decisions in Council.

·            Organise events in your Church at which the Gypsies and Travellers can meet members of the settled community informally. This might include joint worship or social events.

·            Suggest that the local Gypsies and Travellers host an event where they can show off their own culture and lifestyle.

·            Maintain the process. It is often more important that something is being done than the details of what is being done.

·            By such means, and through your own contacts, learn to recognise the Gypsies and Travellers as ordinary people who have similar aspirations and concerns to you. Learn to love them as friends and neighbours.

·            Keep the situation, and the individuals involved, in the prayers of the Church. Prayer has a way of unlocking seemingly intractable problems.

 Many thanks to Rev. Michael Hore.

The Churches Network for Gypsies and Travellers is always ready to support the Church in places of conflict. We are happy to make contact by telephone or, where appropriate, to visit. We do not have all the answers but we have a wide experience.

Do feel free to contact us.

ECUMENICAL SEMINAR ON GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS

WHY SHOULD THE CHURCHES CARE?

Friday  26 March 2010  10am -4pm

Friends Meeting House, St John’s St, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1SJ

A day for church leaders, members of congregations, those with pastoral responsibility or with an interest in Gypsies and Travellers

 jointly organised by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich & the Church Network for Gypsies and Travellers (CNGT)

Presentations on culture, the local context, and community safety. Speakers will include the County Council, Police, Gypsies and Travellers and those working alongside them. Theological input and examples provided of churches working together with Gypsies and Travellers. Part of the seminar will be to examine actions that local churches might undertake. Speakers list below.

Venue fully accessible for the disabled.  Close to the main car parks and within walking distance from the railway station and the bus station.

Cost £5 including lunch - PLACES LIMITED

For further details- please email Alice Nicholls at the Diocesan Office,  as soon as possible
alice@stedmundsbury.anglican.org or ring on 01473 298551. Bookings need to be received by March 16^th.

SPEAKERS 

Rev Nick Williams    Anglican curate of Dartford, Kent.  Met Police lead on Gypsy and Traveller issues, member of the Association of Chief Police Officers Gypsy and Traveller workgroup, member of the Ministerial Task Group on site provision and enforcement. CNGT Committee member

Richard Bennett   Formerly Chairman of the Local Government Association Gypsy and Traveller Task Group.

Keren Wright   Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer, Suffolk County Council

Laura Moore and Karen Nelson   Hate Crime Officers, Suffolk Hate Crime Service

Mark Jepson    Chief Inspector, Suffolk Constabulary

Gloria Buckley    Gypsy/Traveller from Suffolk

Shirley Barrett    One Voice for Travellers Ltd., Community group, charity working across East Anglia to reduce violence to and from the Gypsy and Traveller in a sustainable way

Sonny Gibbard    Gypsy/Traveller from London

Fr Joe Browne     Catholic priest, Chaplain to Travellers. Irish Chaplaincy in Britain, voluntary sector, faith based organisation. CNGT Committee member

Rev Roger Redding    Anglican priest, Chaplain to Gypsies, Travellers and Showmen in the South West and Chair of the Southwest Alliance of Nomads

Rev Martin Burrell     Anglican priest, Minister of Christchurch, Bushmead, Luton. CNGT Committee member

Professor Thomas Acton D. Phil. OBE    Professor of Romani Studies, University of Greenwich

Revd Peter Thomas     Baptist Minister, Brentwood Baptist Church. CNGT Committee member / webmaster

The Right Reverend Nigel Stock      Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich