​The evening began with tea, coffee, vegetable rolls and samosas.  Workers, the unemployed, religious, volunteers and professionals mixed freely with one another.  The atmosphere was friendly, calm and welcoming.  The stage was set for a productive meeting.
The evening was Thursday, 22nd October 2015 when approximately 100 CUK Leaders from across Birmingham gathered for an internal Delegates Assembly at St. George’s Community Hub in Newtown to set the agenda priorities for the next 2 years.  Top of the agenda was ‘City Safe’ (protection for young children) due to the recent shooting incident in broad daylight.  Other issues highlighted were

• Living Wage
• Sanctuary
• Jobs (i.e. payment for student placements)

 
A diverse group of people gathered alongside Leaders, including the Sisters from St. Mary’s and the Jesuit Novices from Harborne, to listen to testimonies of hardship and injustice in the area and to discuss and commit to the issues raised.  Members voted on each issue and endorsed their commitment by signing names alongside the issue they felt passionately concerned about.  The outcome was an overwhelming support for the priorities listed above.
 
The Assembly ended when Sister Ita Keane, with others, was invited to give an impromptu reason for St. Mary’s getting involved in CUK.  Sister Mary Horgan was recognised and thanked for her contribution to CUK during her time at St. Mary’s and was presented with flowers and a box of chocolate as a token of CUKs appreciation.  Mary was then invited to say an off-the-cuff few words which she delivered admirably and, like Ita, with great presence and professionalism.
The Assembly finished with an evaluation from the Leaders.

​Marie  McGrogan rsm

​​Mr. Mitchell spent an hour and a half exploring the heritage trail, asking searching questions, and clearly trying to understand the charism of Mercy as expressed in the photographs and banners on display as well as present-day outreach. Over the ’relational’ cup of tea for which we were joined by Saidul Haque Saeed, Chairman and organiser of Citizens UK Birmingham, and Neil Jameson, executive director of Citizens UK, a good debate ensued during which Mr Mitchell explained his position on refugees, stressing his belief that people are best helped by staying in safe havens within their own countries. He listened respectfully to contrary opinions and was willing to discuss other controversial issues. We felt that our shared conversation over the cup of tea was enriching, stimulating and thought-provoking.
The encounter with Mr. Mitchell was very fruitful and augured well for future encounters.  Mr. Mitchell expressed his appreciation of the welcome received, the beauty of the building and his admiration for the work being done there.