 | The Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP, Conservative Member for Sutton Coalfield, visited St. Mary’s on Friday 23rd October. He was accompanied by his press secretary, Jasmin, and a member of staff from his constituency office. Some months earlier, Mr Mitchell had met Sister Mary Horgan at the House of Commons when she was accompanying petitioners from Citizens UK Birmingham. He asked her about herself and her ministry in Birmingham, and on hearing something of St. Mary’s – its one hundred and seventy four years of work among the disadvantaged, and its current role in outreach to refugees and other disadvantaged people, he expressed a wish to visit St. Mary’s, take the tour, and meet the community. |
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.
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.
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