In a conversation yesterday, I was reminded of how much work has been done by individuals and churches, including the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, when confronted with the conflict and violence here.
The Presbyterian Church has been involved in many ways with promoting reconciliation and peace, not least through the work of the (now named) Good Relations Panel . The latest Panel conference , Dealing with the Past, Shaping the Future, was held in partnership with the Presbyterian Church and Society Committee on 5th April 2014.
A number of themes were raised including
- Identity
- Citizenship
- Cultural captivity
- Repentance of our part in the conflict
- Forgiveness
The speakers were
- Rev David Cupples – minister of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church who had to conduct the funeral of six members of his congregation who were killed when a no-warning bomb exploded at the annual service of Remembrance on 8th November, 1987
- Rev Dr Norman Hamilton – former Moderator of the church ministering in situations of conflict and violence within his parish, including the time of the Holy Cross dispute and latterly with the flags’ and parades’ disputes.
Excellent conference with much for reflection.
Fred Vincent 