People group profile · PG000644
The Irish Travellers of the United Kingdom
The Irish Travellers of the United Kingdom, numbering about 6,800 people, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are a traditionally nomadic ethnic minority genetically distinct from settled Irish society for centuries, historically speaking the in-group language Shelta and only recognized as a distinct ethnicity in Ireland and Britain within the last three decades.
They are an indigenous people in the Anglo-Celt people cluster of the Eurasian Peoples. Their primary religion is Roman Catholicism, and they primarily speak Shelta.
Fast facts
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Population
- 6,800
- Affinity group
- European Peoples
- People cluster
- Anglo-Celt
- Primary language
- Shelta (sth)
- Primary religion
- Roman Catholicism
- Strategic Progress Index
- Engaged yet Unreached
- Evangelical
- Less than 2%
- GSEC
- Less than 2% Evangelical, No Recent CP Activity
- Lostness priority
- Expanding Unreached People Group
- Region
- Northern Europe, Europe
Where they live
Gospel status
The Irish Travellers are Engaged yet Unreached, which means fewer than 2% are evangelical Christians, but there are sustained efforts to establish self-sustaining churches consistent with evangelical faith and practice. In GSEC terms, this people group is less than 2% evangelical, some evangelical resources are available, but there has been no active church planting among them within the past two years.
- Congregations exist Yes
- Church planting in the last two years No Churches Planted
Next steps for the Irish Travellers
- Continue prayer and fasting for this group
- Continue gospel seed sowing and church planting among this group
- Begin training up local leaders to lead and develop strategies to reach their own people
Primary religion
Roman Catholicism · Christianity
80% adherents
Primary language
Shelta · Speech Register family
70% speak Shelta
Gospel resources in Shelta
- Bible not available
- JESUS Film not available
- Radio programs not available
- Gospel recordings not available
- Audio resources not available
- Bible stories not available
Find more at the JESUS Film Project, Bible.com and Faith Comes by Hearing.
Pray for the Irish Travellers
- Matthew 9:37–38. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field.
- 2 Timothy 2:2. Pray for faithful local leaders who will teach others, so that the church multiplies.
- Ephesians 5:8. Pray that those walking in darkness will turn to the light and live as children of light.
- Romans 10:14–15. Ask God to send messengers, so that people can hear, believe and call on the name of the Lord.
Irish Traveller in other countries
The same people (ROP3 108929) is reported in 1 other country.
| People group | Country | Population | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Travellers | Ireland | 6,100 | Engaged yet Unreached |
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