Trinity College Dublin Reconciliation in Northern Ireland The Churches and Reconciliation

Trinity College Dublin Discussion Topics How can the churches engage the process of reconciliation? Is it necessary for the churches to engage the process of reconciliation?

Trinity College Dublin How can the churches engage the process of reconciliation? A Framework: Structural and Ideational (or theological) A Case Study: evangelicalism (St Patrick’s, Downpatrick)

Trinity College Dublin Religion and the Structure of Civil Society Religious Structures – Ecumenical Agencies – Denominations – Congregations – Religious Special Interest Groups – Networks

Trinity College Dublin Religious Belief Ideas that matter in divided societies – Beliefs about the relationship between church & state – Beliefs about religious and cultural pluralism – Beliefs about relationships between religion, violence and peace

Trinity College Dublin

Religion & Evangelicals Religion is important mostly for Protestants, for whom evangelicalism is a ‘core’ of their identity (Steve Bruce 1986, 2007; see also Patrick Mitchel 2003)

Trinity College Dublin How to address religious aspects of conflict? Understand how religion is important (see Claire Mitchell) Understand for whom it is most important Understand how their religious tradition has contributed to conflict Drawing on that religious tradition, look for religiously-based resources for peace

Trinity College Dublin For whom is it important? Evangelicals – 25 – 30 per cent of the Protestant population – What do evangelicals believe? Must be ‘born again’ Bible is the inspired word of God Christ’s death on the cross was a historical event necessary for salvation Christians must express their faith through social action/evangelism

Trinity College Dublin Historical importance of Evangelicalism Conversion attempts then tension, hardened boundaries The 1912 Solemn League & Covenant Privileged relationship with unionist political power, esp Through organisations like the Orange Order

Trinity College Dublin What mattered for evangelicals? Covenantal Calvinism (the state must conform to God’s laws) Protestants as ‘chosen people’/ divine right to rule Justify violence as a last resort

Trinity College Dublin Evangelicals during the Troubles? Prominence of Paisleyism Continues to articulate ‘traditional’ evangelical ideas Paisley-centred view has, until recently, obscured broader changes within evangelicalism

Trinity College Dublin Evangelicalism and Change For God and His Glory Alone (1985) Formation of Evangelical Contribution on Northern Ireland (ECONI) as a counter to Paisleyism ‘Mediating’ Evangelicals

Trinity College Dublin The Importance of Evangelicalism & Change Evangelicals have enjoyed a prominence and moral authority within Northern Irish Protestantism that is not necessarily shared by Protestant Christians within the ecumenical movement. Therefore changes within evangelicalism itself have the potential to have a powerful, far- reaching impact …

Trinity College Dublin What matters for mediating evangelicals? Anabaptist view of separation betw. Church and state (influenced by Hauerwas) Pluralism of cultures, religions; no privileged place for ‘right religion’ Advocates non-violence

Trinity College Dublin Other types of evangelicals Pietist (withdraw from society and politics) ‘Post-evangelicals’ (more radical critique of evangelicalism, acceptance of post-modern interpretation of society and politics, attempt to transcend Catholic-Protestant traditions). See Rollins 2006,

Trinity College Dublin Why has evangelicalism changed? Adjusting to loss of privilege, relationship with political power Adjusting to increased secularisation Adjusting to changes in the ‘structure’ of civil society (funding favours ‘cross community’ and ‘reconciliation’ groups) Heartfelt reflection and actual changes in identity

Trinity College Dublin Evangelicalism in the post-agreement public sphere

Trinity College Dublin Traditional Evangelicals From Ulster Says No to Ulster Says Maybe Forms of Activism: – Focus on ‘moral’ issues (abortion, homosexuality legislation) – Target DUP (though signs of lost influence in the party) – Using interest group tactics (groups like the Caleb Foundation, Independent Orange Order, Evangelical Protestant Society)

Trinity College Dublin Traditional Evangelicals Theological Emphases: – Covenantal Calvinism (For God and Ulster!) coupled with pragmatic acceptance of pluralism – a ‘place at the table’

Trinity College Dublin Mediating Evangelicals Ulster Says Yes! Forms of Activism: – Peacebuilding and Social Justice issues – Seek to ‘mediate’ between government and civil society – Co-operation with other religious and secular peace & reconciliation organisations) – ECONI/CCCI, Evangelical Alliance

Trinity College Dublin Mediating Evangelicals Theological Emphases – Anti-Calvinism and Anabaptism, enthusiastic about pluralism – Mediating evangelicals have faced opposition from committed traditional evangelicals and apathy from many others

Trinity College Dublin Denominational Level My research on evangelicalism focused on networks of organisations and congregations What can or should be done at a denominational level? Can concerted efforts at denominational levels have a further-reaching impact?

Trinity College Dublin Church of Ireland: Hard Gospel Project A Scoping Study 2001, Higgins report 2003 It took its name from a quotation from a retired rector in the research report, who said: ‘I want to see a return to the hard gospel … that you love God and love your neighbour as yourself’

Trinity College Dublin Hard Gospel Project: Four Aims To enable the Church, at all levels, to model in its own structures and ways of being, the relationships and values with regard to overcoming sectarianism, community conflict, and dealing with difference that it will promote in wider society. To develop and promote policies, practices and statements of the Church of Ireland that will encourage honest and constructive relationships in dealing with sectarianism and issues of difference in the church and wider society. To enhance the capability of the Church of Ireland at all levels to take initiatives to build peace and to transform communities. To implement initiatives, projects or programmes in collaboration with other Churches, agencies and groups in a manner that will create more open and inclusive local communities.

Trinity College Dublin Presbyterian Church: Peacemaking Programme To increase acceptance within PCI that peace building and reconciliation are a priority in the ministry of the whole of the church To deepen understanding of the measures required for a stable peace and good relations by leaders and activists within PCI To strengthen the capacity and infrastructure in the Church to sustain long-term peacemaking activities To increase the number of PCI congregations developing on- going initiatives that will contribute to peace in society To encourage boards, committees and agencies within PCI to explore and make a commitment to their own contribution to community relations in this society

Trinity College Dublin Peacemaking Programme Two full-time peacemaking officers Presbytery peacemaking agents Congregational peacemaking agents ‘Gospel in Conflict’ training programmes and studies Preparing Youth to be Peacemakers programme

Trinity College Dublin Peacemaking Programme In 1996 the General Assembly had requested each congregation to appoint a peace agent, but by the early 2000s only one-third of congregations had done so.

Trinity College Dublin Interim evaluation by Green 2008 Gospel in Conflict was ‘delivered in 18 different venues with 707 people participating. ‘Preparing Youth to be Peacemakers’ (PYP) was revised, new resources produced and delivered in 12 different settings with 221 people participating. The report noted that there was still significant opposition to peace work within the Presbyterian Church, but that this had seemed to lessen over the last decade.

Trinity College Dublin Methodist Church ‘Friends of all and enemies of none.’ Church and Society Committee’s Council on Social Responsibility has produced materials including a liturgy for healing and Bible study materials (McMaster 2006, n.d.).

Trinity College Dublin Catholic Church Prominent clergy Clonard monastery, other parishes with cross-community reconciliation groups

Trinity College Dublin Should the churches engage the process of reconciliation? As John Brewer (2003) has argued, the vast majority of Christians in Northern Ireland do not see themselves as part of the problem. That has meant they have been slow to name the churches’ role in the sectarian system and to critique their own traditions. But those that have built on the foundations of reflection and critique have also developed practical actions for crossing boundaries. These are accompanied by Biblically- and theologically-grounded narratives that justify the crossing of boundaries.

Trinity College Dublin Should the churches engage the process of reconciliation? 2009 Report of the Consultative Group on the Past

Trinity College Dublin Report’s call to the Churches By definition and nature sectarianism involves religion and the destructive patterns of relating that arise from a negative mixing of religious belief and politics.... The Christian churches carry a particular historical responsibility, for they not only gave the language which both shaped and fuelled division, but often gave sanction to those who exploited theological disputes and differences for political and territorial gain.... Yet some of the churches have recognised and addressed the religious dimension from the earliest days of the conflict. In their public statements some have accepted responsibility for nurturing attitudes which have contributed to the strength of sectarianism in the wider community. Indeed significant initiatives have taken place in recent years to identify and challenge sectarianism in their life and practice. Any move by the churches to acknowledge and respect the integrity of each other’s tradition does make a significant impact on the context in which wider society can address the legacy of sectarianism. There is a strong Christian tradition in Northern Ireland. Therefore Christian churches have a particular responsibility to take a leading role within communities for addressing the destructive presence of ongoing sectarianism.

Trinity College Dublin Visioning Ecumenism Survey Faith leaders and laypeople alike place more importance on individual forms of reconciliation rather than social forms of reconciliation (i.e. Between Catholics and Protestants) Clergy are more likely than laypeople to have accessed resources on reconciliation, but don’t feel adequately equipped by their denominations. They also lack time.

Trinity College Dublin The Churches and Reconciliation Modelling good relationships at an institutional level? ‘Repentance’ for roles of the churches in the past? Providing spaces for healing, coping with grief Developing alternative theologies (Billy Mitchell, Ikon, Women & Peacebuilding) Providing spaces for cross community interaction?

Trinity College Dublin Focus Questions Can the churches in Northern Ireland contribute to reconciliation? If your organisation operates from a church or faith-based perspective, please draw on specific examples from your work.