Can Christians contribute a vision for a better future on this island?
This question has been raised in a number of debates over the last few months: online, on the air, and in newspapers. But believe it or not, there … Read more...
Category: Unionism
Do the Churches Matter? – Hope and History and the Irish Churches Peace Project
People often think of religion as causing conflict, but sometimes religion can inspire peace. That’s the aim of the ‘Hope and History’ campaign, set up by religious leaders to encourage politicians to engage faithfully in the Haass Talks on … Read more...
Can Haass Help us Deal with the Past?
Richard Haass, the American diplomat who is chairing talks on flags, parades and dealing with the past, concluded his initial consultations yesterday, saying that “there is a real chance to succeed” before the end of December.
Haass and his vice … Read more...
Northern Ireland’s Lost Opportunity: The Frustrated Promise of Political Loyalism by Tony Novosel–New Post on Slugger O’Toole
I’ve reviewed ‘Northern Ireland’s Lost Opportunity: The Frustrated Promise of Political Loyalism,’ by Tony Novosel, on the Slugger O’Toole blog.Merriman Summer School–Sectarianism and the Challenges of Reconciliation–Part II
Yesterday I posted the first part of the talk I gave at the Merriman Summer School in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, titled, ‘The Challenges of Reconciliation.’ The theme of the Summer School was ‘Ireland: North and South – Two Societies … Read more...
Merriman Summer School–Protestantism and the Challenges of Reconciliation (Part I)
Last week the Merriman Summer School in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, explored the theme of ‘Ireland: North and South – Two Societies Growing Apart?’ The programme featured a range of academic, poetic and musical contributions, including my own on ‘The … Read more...
Merriman Summer School–The Challenges of Reconciliation
Tomorrow the 2013 Merriman Summer School in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, gets underway, and I’m excited to be taking part.
The theme of this year’s school is ‘Ireland North and South: Two Societies Growing Apart?’ The five-day programme features a tantalizing
… Read more...William Scholes: What do the Churches have to do with the Maze Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre?
Yesterday’s Irish News carried an intriguing piece by Religion Correspondent William Scholes on the Maze Peace building and Conflict Resolution Centre, and the potential role of the churches in leading debate around what will happen at the site.
In light … Read more...
Christians and “Orangemen’s Day” (the 12th of July) – Contributions to the Debate
On my desk I have a calendar from Holy Cross Monastery in Rostrevor, Co. Down, which features photographs of the monks and the monastery throughout the year. In the month of July, the 12th is designated “Orangemen’s Day.” … Read more...
New Post on Slugger O’Toole: And the Past Continues to Walk our Streets …
I have a new post on the Slugger O’Toole blog, ‘And the Past Continues to Walk Our Streets,’ reflecting on the 12th of July riots and the ensuing conversations of the past week.… Read more...
Jon Hatch Guest Post: Orange Crushed, or: Developing Praxis in North Belfast
In light of yesterday’s disorder during the 12th of July events, Jon Hatch, who recently completed his PhD in Theology at the Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin at Belfast, has written some ‘how to’ reflections on peaceful … Read more...