|PIC1|The work of The Salvation Army and other charities including St Vincent de Paul has been recognised with the planting of a tree in the grounds of Stormont Castle.
The planting of the Norwegian Spruce brought Northern Ireland First Minister Dr Ian Paisley and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness together with the Leader of the Salvation Army in Ireland, Major David Jackson, and the Regional Administrator from the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Aileen Coney.
Dr Paisley said: "I believe it is appropriate to recognise and commend the important everyday work of charities especially at this time of the year."
He said that the efforts of both charities to bring festive gifts to children from underprivileged families over Christmas had been "very much appreciated".
Mr McGuiness said the tree was a "practical symbol of sustainability for years to come".
-
The Christian story behind Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree
-
Princess of Wales to lead Westminster Abbey carol service, celebrating kindness and community
-
Church in Wales 'road map' for same-sex blessings is 'distressing'
-
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
-
Suspended Christian nurse accuses nursing body of 'discrimination'
-
Thousands attend launch of nationwide Christmas evangelistic campaign at Royal Albert Hall
Most Popular
News
'Light of hope for us': Christmas lights illuminate Bethlehem and Jerusalem for the first time in two years
Bethlehem and Jerusalem have ushered in the Christmas season with public celebrations and glittering lights for the first time in two years, marking a poignant moment of hope in cities still grappling with the humanitarian and economic fallout of the Gaza war.
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester
The Bishop of Winchester has defended the recent decision of the House of Bishops to pause plans to introduce standalone same-sex blessing services.
Protecting girls and young women in the digital age
It’s a missional priority for us as Christian communities to have open discussions about both the benefits and downsides of being online.
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 October, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.