Speakers at AMRI Justice Conference recall the important contribution of the work of Religious and faith groups across the world in responding to key issues of social justice, peace and ecology. Catholic Church is the second largest responder to humanitarian aid globally. Full report inPress Release AMRI Conference April 18 2026
Press Release – No Embargo
CEO of Trócaire told the AMRI 2026 Justice Conference that the Catholic Church is the second largest deliverer of humanitarian aid in the world today. This radical truth needs to heard by many Governments around the world.
Faith and civil society groups gathered on Saturday, 18th April 2026 for the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI) and partners annual Justice Conference at the Parish Hall in Kimmage, Dublin. Titled Advancing Justice, Peace and Care for Our Common Home, the conference explored opportunities for collaborative, faith-based responses towards a just and sustainable future for all, amid a fractured global reality.
The event was attended by some 70 participants from across civil society and faith-based organisations across Ireland, from a variety of countries, including delegates from many Religious Orders, Missionaries, Representatives of various organisations.
Fr. Joe McGee MSC and President of AMRI welcomed delegates to the annual Justice Conference. He referred to the reality that days like today are about ‘Reclaiming the voice of faith on public society.’ He continued to note, ‘Ensuring the wider society knows about our faith response to Justice today.’ He acknowledged Pope Leo XIV being a moral leader a voice reminding the world that peace is needed more than ever today. He invited us to continue to pray for him and his leadership at this time.
Seán Farrell, CEO of Trócaire gave a keynote speech, beginning with ‘honouring the history and legacy of the Irish Missionary Movement.’ He noted that Kimmage Manor is such a special place of ‘encounters’ for everyone here today who has been shaped by the Irish Missionary Church. He gave an overview of the dramatic recent changes to Overseas Development Aid and undermining of multilateralism from governments to funding for poverty and hunger and impact of war on the poorest people on the planet. ‘What do we do together about global poverty and climate change in a world that is doing less to respond?’ He praised the Irish Government on its commitment to overseas Aid and outlier now in the First World. He reminded those in attendance that despite the realities on the ground, ‘hope is possible’ and in difficult and dark times, is where the light must shine brightest, “now is the time not to step back but to step forward… peace and justice work is particularly needed today”.
Seán was followed by a panel of distinguished speakers that included:
- Róisín Markham from the Irish Doughnut Economics Network, who outlined the ways in which the concept of Doughnut Economics is essential in reimaging a sustainable future – ‘We are at a moment in time where we need a ‘radical transformation …that is moral, social and cultural’.
- Ambassador David Donoghue, former Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN in New York and co-facilitator of the negotiations on the UN 2030 Agenda, who explored human flourishing at the centre of sustainable development and what next for Agenda 2030.
- Dr Kevin Hargaden of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, who approached the agenda through the lens of Dilexi te (Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Leo XIV) and the role of civil society and faith-based organisations in working together to respond to what Pope Francis called ‘the cry of the earth’ and ‘the cry of the poor’.
Participants were also invited to “Step into the Doughnut,” an interactive experience exploring the interconnectedness of ecology and humanity, and reflecting on pathways toward a just and sustainable future. The session was led by Róisín Markam of the Irish Doughnut Economics Network and Lara Kelly from the Justice Office of the Dominican Sisters in Cabra.
The conference concluded with commitments by those present to collaborate on key issues of social justice, global peace and care for our common home.
“We need to celebrate the fact that the Catholic Church is the second largest deliverer of humanitarian aid in the world. Everyone has heard of the Red Cross and Red Cresent. We need to remind society of this fact” Seán Farrell, Trócaire.
Note to Editors
The event was organised by Dr Toni Pyke Justice, Peace and Ecology Coordinator at the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI) that represents over 150 Religious Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life and Missionary Organisations, including lay missionaries. AMRI promotes religious, apostolic and missionary life as part of the mission of the Church.
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