THE conflicting socio-political perceptions that are part of this island's make-up have been emphasised this major centenary year to the extent that we can't even agree on how to name it - witness the embarrassment of President Higgins declining to attend the Armagh service "marking the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland”. Did this definition imply "politicisation"? It remains a matter of opinion, but given the debacle caused by Brexit and the protocol, socio-political discord lies very close to the surface.
The major articles in this issue, then, reflect our increased concerns in this area as we face into the next hundred years. We begin with thoughts from Corrymeela, that beacon of reconciliation and hope founded in 1965. Its current leader Alex WImberly shares his thoughts about the way forward. A more formal community dedicated to peace-building, the Irish School of Ecumenics, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Former ISE director and current TCD Professor of Ecumenics, Linda Hogan, outlines the impressive international and local track record of the School since its foundation.Looking at the Decade of Centenaries as a whole, historian and former TD Martin Mansergh leads us through the full complement of events, starting with the 3rd Home Rule Bill of 2012 and looking forward to the foundation of the state next year. The aim of our memorialising? "To broaden sympathies without having to abandon loyalties. . . ensuring, as far as possible, that commemoration does not re-ignite old tensions."The most challenging article of this issue focuses on the struggle to achieve education for Irish children that is communally inclusive, conditioning them to welcome diversity of background in their peers. Despite strong demand from parents north and south over the past 50 years, our achievement in this area remains pitiable, with less than 7% of school children on the island attending such schools. The leaders of the movement north and south set out the history, the principles and the challenges, in pursuit of a harmonious future.Finally, in response to recent anxiety in the C of E about a decline of the parish system in favour of church plants, Canon Paul Hoey outlines church-planting practice in the province of Armagh, while Peter Pavlovic of CEC considers the mindset of European Union bureaucracy as the Conference on the Future of Europe meets. We conclude with Liturgica and Book Reviews as usual.
Contents
The Decade of Centenaries - memories and reflections
THE YEARS 1912 to 1923, between the Third Home Rule Bill and the end of the Civil War and the Irish Free State’s admission to the League of Nations, redefined the political geography of Ireland. The counterpart to the virtual independence of the greater part of the island, completed over the following quarter of a century, was the establishment of Northern Ireland in six of the nine Ulster counties as a devolved jurisdiction within the United Kingdom.
Crossing the borders within: Corrymeela looks to the future
I LEARNED that I was to become the Leader of the Corrymeela Community as I was driving along the border between the north and the south. My route started in Fermanagh, cut seamlessly into Donegal, returned unceremoniously to Fermanagh, entered Donegal once more, and then continued on (briefly through Leitrim) into Sligo.
ANNIVERSARIES provide an occasion for reflection, about the past and future. Although it has been challenging, marking the ISE’s 50th anniversary during the COVID pandemic has been clarifying because so much of what we do and value as a society has been thrown into sharp relief. As novelist Marilynne Robinson noted, whereas the coronavirus “has the potential for mitigation, treatment and ultimately prevention”, the endemic societal challenges that result in a “decline in hope and purpose” are more difficult to address.
Transforming our education systems, North and South
THE MOVEMENT to establish shared schools in Ireland, known as “Integrated” in Northern Ireland and “Educate Together” in the Republic, has gathered pace in recent years. In total, 182 schools have been established at primary and post-primary level, catering for 57,900 students. These schools are providing education that – as well as bringing children from different religious traditions together – actively develops mutual understanding and respect.
The Future of Europe: fellowship of nations or home for people?
IN THE Orthodox Academy of Crete one can find displayed in a prominent place a remarkable text. Based on the ancient story of Saint Makarios of Egypt, the fourth century ascetic of the desert, it goes in summary as follows:
Church-planting in Ireland: the right churches, in the right places?
IT’S HARD to believe that 50 years have passed since the first broadcast of the iconic TV sketch in which Eric Morecombe insists to conductor Andre Prévin that he is playing all the right notes on the piano, just not necessarily in the right order!
CORPORATE renewal of baptismal vows has become a regular and valued event in many Christian communities; and the notes to the Church of Ireland’s form suggest Easter, Pentecost, the Baptism of our Lord, Ash Wednesday, or the close of a mission as suitable occasions. The Church of England’s list does not mention Ash Wednesday, but adds the inauguration of a new ministry.
