Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases

23 February 2000

Airport Prayer Room

Today at Belfast's International Airport the Northern Ireland Inter-Faith Forum is opening a Quiet Room for the purposes of private reflection and prayer. Launching the opening as guest speaker will be Joan Harbison, Chief Conunissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Over sixty representatives of the various religious and ethnic communities in Northern Ireland will attend.

The room has been provident close to the Information Desk in the arrivals lounge, with the co-operation of the Airport, and with the support of the Community Relations Council. The Inter-Faith Forum will be maintaining the Quiet Room as a facility available to travellers of all persuasions and none.

The Quiet Room has been fully refurbished by the Forum and stocked with informational literature about different faiths. Prayer mats and washing facilities are also provided, although no formal worship will take place.

According to Inter-Faith Forum member, Shaunaka Rishi Das:

"The Quiet Room represents an important step forward for pluralism in Northern Ireland. As a space dedicated to people from all cultures and traditions, it symbolises a new beginning."

Mark Adair, European Programme Director at the Community Relations Council, adds:

"The creation of a shared space for travellers of all religious persuasions, and none, is a significant and hopeful development. It is a symbolic and practical expression of cultural diversity that will greet all visitors to Northern Ireland."

Belfast International Airport's Director of Marketing Services, Natalie Raper, comments:

"We are delighted to be able to offer the Quiet Room as a facility to the travelling public within Northern Ireland. The development of the room demonstrates our continued commitment to improving facilities at the airport, and reflects our ability to meet the needs of our passengers."

For further information contact:

Saunaka Rishi Das. Inter-Faith Forum, Tel: 01247-852796
Sian Mawhinney, Belfast International Airport, tel: 01849 484031