Many believe that the Northern Ireland peace process is ‘tarnished’. The ‘Peace People’ are well-known in Northern Ireland, but other groups of Catholic and Protestant women are not. At recent seminars in Belfast, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist and Church of Ireland women recorded experiences of the ‘Troubles’ and how women of faith are ahead of their time in developing approaches to repairing the harms of today caused by the conflicts of yesterday. They gave innovative examples of ecumenical activism and community living that defied and transcended sectarianism, including the secret back-channel talks between politicians from different Backgrounds, critical in bringing about a cessation of the violence. We can pray for the continued work of ‘Cornerstone,’ a live-in, praying Community for reconciliation who network with other groups to be a ‘presence’ in their communities; and for ‘Widows Against Violence Empowered’ (WAVE), who help women traumatised after tragedy.
Northern Ireland: women of faith and the peace process
Written by David Fletcher 19 Apr 2018Additional Info
- Pray: for all those working and praying to end the remnant of conflict and lay foundations for a just and equal post-conflict society. (Proverbs 29:11)
- More: www.churchnewsireland.org/news/faith-perspective-women-of-faith-and-the-ni-peace-process-breaking-the-silence/