A DAY OF PRIVATE REFLECTION ON THE CONFLICT IN NORTHERN IRELAND
SATURDAY 21st JUNE
(Posted June 2008)

Saturday 21st June, has been designated a 'Day of Private Reflection on the Troubles'.

It is a day set aside to acknowledge the deep hurt and pain caused by the conflict, and also to allow time for reflection on “What lessons have we learnt and what more can we do to make sure that the tragedy of the last 30 years is never repeated?”

This Day of Private Reflection is an initiative of ‘Healing Through Remembering’, a country wide cross-community body, set up to explore ways of constructively dealing with the past. (It is totally independent of government, political parties, churches, and other groups.)

While it is a private day, local groups were invited to get involved through raising awareness or offering a place where reflection could take place or through developing materials which would aid meaningful reflection.

The local church based, ‘Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding Initiative' in conjunction with the Carrickfergus Borough Council Good Relations Office have taken up this invitation and have organised a drop-in space for reflection in the Education Room in Carrickfergus Civic Centre and Museum, Antrim Street this Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

A short 12 minute audio-visual is one of a number of aids to reflection that will be made available.

Everyone is welcome to drop-in. It will be a case of come, see and reflect. There will be no talks given, no group activities and no charge.

Why not give it a try.

Click here to visit 'Day of Private Reflection' website!

Out of the Depths 
(An online reflection from the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland designed to help us reflect on the consequences of the “Troubles”. )

Carrickfergus Community Relations have established a process working towards the establishment of a Church Forum for the Carrickfergus Borough area. 

The latest open public meeting in this process, was held :
Monday 23rd June 2008
Dobbs Room, Carrickfergus Town Hall,
7.30pm

The purpose of this meeting was to provide an opportunity for those attending to see and comment on the Draft Vision Statement, Aims, Objectives, Constitution and Draft Action Plan which will presented at the official launch by Autumn 2008.

Click here for CONNECT- CHURCH FORA NEWSLETTER - LATEST!
This is in PDF file format
See page 7 for Carrickfergus connection
 

Click here for survey report on:
'What makes for good partnerships in Christian Community Action?'
(A survey carried out by Jeremy Sharpe in partnership with Faithworks and the Shaftesbury Society)





 

INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION PLAYING  (ADULTS)
(Posted June 2008)

Do you have an interest in Irish Traditional Music?  Do you play a musical instrument (self taught or you've been taking lessons). Do you want to make that next musical step and play in session with others?
Why not come along to the Carrickfergus Gasworks for that easy introduction to playing with others. 
You will be made most welcome.
For more information Tel: 07815081714

What you will need:
- Your own musical instrument (Whistle, Flute, mandolin, guitar, banjo, accordian, harp, bodhran, fiddle)
- A desire to play Irish traditional music with others.
- The ability to play some tunes (We will use the East Antrim Traditional Music School Tutorial Book).  
- Speed is not a priority.
- Be over 18.

Click here for a Gasworks location map.
Click here for Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland
 

GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER
CARRICKFERGUS
SUNDAY 11th MAY 2008 - 3pm
(Posted May 2008)

www.transformations-ireland.org

Two years ago, thousands gathered in the Grounds of Parliament  Buildings at Stormont, on Penecost Sunday afternoon to take part in a Global Day of Prayer.

Last year, local united assemblies have been called for.  This was repeated this year 2008 and hopefully next, 2009.   

Carrickfergus was one of many venues for a gathering.  This took place on the Castle Green, Pentecost Sunday 11th May 2007 at 3pm, under the walls of Carrickfergus Castle. 

    


Click here Watch Dance Routine on YouTube

Click here for Report on Global Day of Prayer in Carrickfergus 2008 (Word doc)

See Global Day of Prayer Website

Click here for Photographs of the 2006 event.
Click here for Photographs of the the 2005 event
 

Tuesdays at 11.15am - 12.00noon

For more information please contact:-
Philomena McQuillan,
48 Sunnylands Avenue,
Carrickfergus.
Tel: 0782426051
Email: philomenamcquillan@hotmail.co.uk

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION QUIET DAY - 'GOD'S BREATH IN US'
(Posted May 2008)

Saturday 24th May 2008
From 10am to 3.30pm
Edgehill Theological College, Lennoxvale, Belfast.
(Lennoxvale is on the Malone Road, 2nd left past Fisherwick Presbyterian Church.)
Led by Rev. Canon Timothy Kinahan
and based on the practices of Fr John Main OSB

Cost of the day £10. (Please bring packed lunch. Tea and Coffee provided).
Experienced meditators and beginners welcome.
Books, CDs etc. will be available for purchase.

For Booking and more information please contact:-
Philomena McQuillan, (details as above).
 

Click here for Booking Form
Click here for The World Community for Christian Meditation website

Carrickfergus Community Relations Officer, Mr Colin Ellis, issued an open invitation to church people from the Carrickfergus Borough Council areas,  interested in exploring the idea of establishing an Interchurch Forum in the area. 

This event was held:
Thursday 6th March 2008
Dobbs Room, Carrickfergus Town Hall,
7.00pm

Guest speakers were:

Dr David Bolton,

Director, Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation, Omagh.
He has over 15 years experience in disaster management of trauma and grief related work with people who have been affected by the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He is also a member of the management committee of Fermanagh Churches Forum.

The Rev Kenny Hall,

Church of Ireland Rector of Coalisland and has many years experience working in a Clergy Forum. As a founder member of Cookstown District Clergy Forum, he has been an office bearer in the Cookstown Clergy Forum and Dungannon Clergy Forum.

Dr Johnston McMaster,

Lecturer at the Irish School of Ecumenics and Director of the Education for Reconciliation Programme in Northern Ireland. He is a regular conference speaker, committed educator and prolific author.

In support will be
Mrs Eileen Gallagher

who works as Support Officer for Church Forum and Interchurch groups. She is a member of the Community Relations Council and co-chair of Fermanagh Churches Forum.

Together they shared their insights and experience of the invaluable contribution that other Church Forums are making to their communities.

More information from: 
Valerie Foster
Tel: (208) 9335 8037
Email: Vfoster.commserv@carrickfergus.org
Fax: (028) 9336 6676

ST PATRICK'S WEEKEND IN CARRICKFERGUS
THE GASWORKS - FRIDAY 14TH MARCH - MUSIC AND SONG
(Posted March 2008)
 

This year our common heritage in ST PATRICK was celebrated in Carrickfergus. 

It took the form of a Traditional Music Night in Carrickfergus Gasworksand was hosted by: Carrickfergus Flame Gasworks Museum of Ireland,  Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding Group and the East Antrim Traditional Music School.

Click here for photographs

'CONNECT'
(Posted October 2007)

'Connect' is a forum for representative members of Churches Fora, Clergy and Interchurch groups in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.

Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding sent representatives to its last gathering on Saturday 1st December 2007 in Tullylagan House, Cookstown.  A presentation was given by Rev. Robert Millar on, 'The Maghera Experience'.  Groups focus question: In what ways can our groups improve faith based involvement with local communities?'


CONNECT CONFERENCE
Theme: 'Building Community - Churches in Partnership'
Venue: Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
Date: Monday 28th April 2008
(Booking Required)
 

CHURCH FORA NEWSLETTER - LATEST

For more information on 'CONNECT' contact:
Eileen Gallagher,
Tel: 07789967790 
Email: eccgallagher@yahoo.co.uk

COMMEMMORATING THE PAST - REMEMBERING THE FUTURE:
Responding to a Culture of Commemoration
(Posted January 2008)

A series of six Thursday evening Talks
in:
Carrickfergus Town Hall,  (Dobbs Room)
commencing
Thursday 10th January 2008
at
7-30pm

Every country has a culture of commemoration. This may be more obvious in Ireland than many other places, were the different groups in our history of conflict each have their chosen traumas and chosen glories to remember. 

With the new and more hopeful phase in our peace process, enhancing confidence and creating the feeling that we are on the way to being at peace with ourselves, will the nature of commemoration change?  Within a decade we will commemorate some of the most significant events in modem Irish history and which have affected all of us in different ways. How will we remember in the future? Will the new atmosphere open up a more critical awareness, deconstruct myths, enable us to pick out positive aspects which we might even share and appreciate together?

These are some of the questions that will be asked as we explore six significant events from our past which will be commemorated in a context different from anything before now. 

[Click here for list of Topics and Dates of Meetings].

Click her for Dr Johnston McMaster public lecture, Thursday 24 January at the ISE in Belfast entitled:  'Commemoration for a New Future' .

NI COMMUNITY RELATIONS NEWSLETTER - JAN 2008
(Posted January 2008)

Have you like us wondered what ever happened to the government's 'Shared Future' policy document?

In the latest CRC Newsletter, Duncan Morrow, CRC Chief Executive, responds to the 
published Draft Programme for Government with its emphasis on economic growth.  

And more .........

Click here for CRC Newsletter Issue 50 (pdf version)

INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COURSE

      (Posted January 2008)

An Introduction to Community Development Course will start on Wednesday 23th January at 10.00am in the Town Hall Carrickfergus. 
This is a short course (10 hours in total) giving individuals and groups an introduction to the key skills and concepts of community development. Very worthwhile for all Community Activists.

Anyone wishing to particapate please contact:
Janice Cherry Community Development outreach Officer, Carrickfergus Community Forum, 1 Joymount Carrickfergus Co Antrim BT38 7DQ.

Tel/fax 028 93359777
email: carrickferguscommforum@hotmail.co.uk

CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING
(Posted October 2007)

AUTUMN 2007
You are probably well aware by now that 2007 marks the 400th anniversary of what has become know as the ‘Flight of the Earls’, which is seen by many to mark the end of Gaelic Ireland as a distinct political system. Many events have been held across the country particularly west of the Bann to commemorate this event.  Carrickfergus, has a strong but largely overlooked historical connection with the Flight of the Earls through the person of Sir Arthur Chichester, one time Governor of Carrickfergus and Lord Deputy of Ireland [Read more].

[Click here for enlarged poster]

Not to be left out, we have invited Dr John McCavitt, author, historian, and leading authority on both the Flight of the Earls and the life of Sir Arthur Chichester, to Carrickfergus, to give a presentation entitled:-



A clash of Cultures - Sir Arthur Chichester and the Flight of the Earls 1607’
The venue is:
Carrickfergus Town Hall
on
Thursday 29th November 2007
at
8pm.


Dr McCavitt has been much in demand in this anniversary year and has acted as an historical adviser on the Flight of the Earls to both the BBC and the Ulster Scots Agency.   Using images from his most recently published book, ‘The Flight of the Earls an Illustrated History’, he will give a fully illustrated presentation.
Carrickfergus Town Hall is a particularly appropriate venue, standing as it does, practically on the site of Joymount Palace, Chichester’s Jacobean Mansion which in turn was built on the site of a former Franciscan friary. Unfortunately the mansion no longer exists today.

Presentation in Dobbs Room
Carrickfergus Town Hall


Dr John McCavitt beside painting of
Arthur Chichester's manison, Joymount, Carrickfergus

CARRICKFERGUS AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PROGRAMME OF MEETING 2007 - 2008
(Posted October 2007)


The society meetings are held in Carrickfergus Library Meeting Room on the last Wednesday of each month at 8pm.

All talks and visits are open to non-members.

Click here for PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS 2007 - 2008

CARRICKFERGUS COMMUNITY FORUM
(Posted August 2007)

Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding is registered with the Carrickfergus Community Forum. 

Benefits of membership include:- Free membership; Funding Advice/Sources; Administration support (photocopying, IT facilities etc.); Regular Mailing/Monthly Newsletter; Information Sharing; Training Courses/Workshops; Community Site Visits; Leadership Development.

Click here for LATEST COMMUNITY FORUM NEWSLETTER
 

'RELEASE THE MONKS'
(Posted October 2007)



 

This is what should be done by one who is skilled in goodness
And who knows the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright, straightforward and gentle in speech,
Humble and not conceited, contented and easily satisfied.
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skilful, not proud and demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing that the wise would later reprove.
They should wish:
In gladness and in safety, may all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be,
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born,
May all beings be at ease!
Let none deceive another, or despise any being in any state,
Let none through anger or ill-will wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings,
Radiating kindness over the entire world,
Spreading upwards to the skies, and downwards to the depths,
Outwards and unbounded, freed from hatred and ill-will.
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down,
Free from drowsiness, one should sustain this recollection.

Metta Sutta
The Buddha's Discourse on Loving Kindness

CARRICKFERGUS GASWORKS MUSEUM OF IRELAND
AGM - TUESDAY 8th OCTOBER 2007
(Posted September 2007)
 

The Annual general meeting of the Society will be held on Tuesday 8th October at 8pm in the Gasworks, 44 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus.  Be come along and give your support to this excellent resource.

Click here for Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland

EAST ANTRIM TRADITIONAL MUSIC SCHOOL - LEARN TO PLAY

Visit the East Antrim Traditional Music School website to get details of classes that commence again in September 2007.   Click here: www.eatms.co.uk
 

CARRICKFERGUS SLOW SESSIONS IN THE GASWORKS
(Posted September 2007)

A new 'Slow Session' has started in Carrickfergus and is currently held about once a month.  This is for new players but NOT absolute beginners.  In other words, it is not a class.  Rather it is for those who are learning to play and are ready to try playing along with others in a session situation, but are not up for the speeds that are required for establish sessions of experience musicians.

Dates for Slow Session in the Gasworks:
(1)  Friday 20th April - Slow Session in the Gasworks.
(2)  Friday 18th May - Slow Session in the Gasworks.
(3)  Tuesday 12th June - Slow Session Special (incl. BBQ) in the Gasworks.
Starting Time is 8pm

For a location map for the Gasworks click here

For more information etc. contact:  Martin Murray.  Tel: 07815081714
Carrickfergus Slow Session is an initiative of the East Antrim Traditional Music School.

OTHER BEGINNERS GUITAR, TIN WHISTLE, BODHRAN CLASSES
IN CARRICKFERGUS - FREE!
(Posted August 2007)

More good news!  FREE CLASSES in Guitar, Tin Whistle, or Bodhran run this Autumn on Tuesday evenings, starting on Tuesday 11th September, from 7pm until 9pm in Sunnylands Community Centre.

If interested contact tutor: Lee Martin, Tel. No. 028 91 857716

CCCI CONFERENCE - 'DIVIDED PAST, SHARED FUTURE'
Saturday 3rd November 2007
(Posted September 2007)


A truly shared future requires an honest conversation about the nature of our diverse society and how we learn to live with our deepest differences. We cannot have honest conversations about the future without talking about the legacy of our divided past. How else can we ensure the past is not repeated?


What is the church's role in addressing the legacy of the Troubles? How can Christian faith enable and equip us to bring healing to the wounds of history? There are elements in our own story that we need to confront Do we have the courage to be open about our own entanglements with the conflict and the nature of our commitment to making peace and doing justice.
 

Click here for brochure and more information
 

The Carrickfergus Compassionate Friends Support Group meets every month.
WHEN? ...................... on the 1st Tuesday of each month
WHERE? .................... in the Gateway Church, Grosvenor Place, Carrickfergus, in the room upstairs, used by the Creche.
WHAT TIME? .............. 7.45pm to 10.00pm  
All bereaved parents are welcome regardless of the age at which their child died.

For Further Information contact on this local Support Group,contact:
Ursula Gates...........Tel No. 028 9336 1786,  Email ursula_gates@yahoo.co.uk
or 
Helen Charters.......Tel No. 028 9336 6098,  Email supernoodle21@hotmail.com
 

The Carrickfergus TCF Group, and Friends, also meet for coffee,once a month
WHEN? ......................   on the last Wednesday of the month.
WHERE? ..................... The Coast Road Hotel, Old Coast Road, Carrickfergus.
WHAT TIME?..............    10.00am to 12 noon.
On this occasion, Members are encouraged to bring along any friends who are also bereaved parents. The informality of meeting for coffee can be easier for some, especially for those who haven't been to the Support Group Meeting.

 
The Compassionate Friends in Northern Ireland have an Annual Christmas Service on the !st Sunday of December.  This year's service takes place in the afternoon of Sunday 3rd December 2006. in Glenavy Parish Church.The time of the service will be confirmed later.
 
Further information can be obtained from:
Sue McCartney on the Local Help line  028 9265 2550;
Email sue@mccartney.ie

Link to The Compassionate Friends Website

'CARRICKFERGUS TOGETHER IN TIME'
Traditional Arts Festival 2007
11th -16th June
(Posted April 2007)  

The 'Carrickfergus Together in Time’ Traditional Arts Festival took place during the week of 12th – 16th June 2007.

Click here for FESTIVAL WEBSITE: www.togetherintime.co.uk

Last Year's Event  Carrickfergus - The Session 2006
A traditional music, cross-cultural event organised by the Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding Group with assistance from the East Antrim Traditional Music School, entitled 'Carrickfergus - The Session' was held in Carrickfergus Civic Centre, Antrim Street on the weekend of 26th - 27th May 2006.   It consisted of, musically illustrated talks on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, along with a concert/session on Saturday evening. 
Click here for PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE 2006 EVENT
The event was supported by the Ulster Scots Agency and by Carrickfergus Borough Council.

 

CHRISTIAN ECOLOGY LINK
(Posted April 2007)

What is Christian Ecology Link ?

Christian Ecology Link:
Offers insights into ecology and the environment to Christian people and churches.
Offers Christian insights to the Green movement.
Works for a Greener Church.

 We are responsible for our impact on God's creation as a whole. CEL helps members to understand and relate these responsibilities to their faith. Members can then encourage others in their local church to think seriously about these issues.

Contact:
CEL Information Officer: 3, Bond Street, Lancaster, LA1 3ER, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1524 33858
Email: info@christian-ecology.org.uk

Check out the amazing resources at:
Christian Ecology Link Website

Lion and Lamb Magazine - Click here to read Current Issue online

Click  p.s. for some interesting comment on current affairs.
(or see below for latest article)

http://www.contemporarychristianity.org/events/

TRIBUTE TO A CARRICKFERGUS PEACE-MAKER
(Posted March 2007 2004)

Billy Mitchell 1941-2006
Died 20th July 2006
Senior loyalist Billy Mitchell worked with LINC (Local Initiatives for Needy Communities) an initiative of the Church of the Nazarene fostering peace, reconciliation and social justice.

Click here to read TRIBUTES
Source: 'The Other View' Magazine.

SUNDAY SEQUENCE
(Posted March 2007)

   William Crawley and his guests debate the week's religious and ethical news
 Click here

CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING 2007.
(First Posted January 2007)

What is still to come? ..................


PART 6  (This is the final part of the programme before summer break, so don't miss it!)

A UNITED LITURGY OF PRAYER
Tuesday 5th June,  8.00pm
Gateway Church, Governors Place
A united liturgy and prayer for community healing (with our local clergy)

The Journey so far ..................

This year the theme is 'Walking through Carrick's History - Healing Past Community Hurts'.  The plan is to have only one meeting per month between January and June 2007.  There are two parts, the Historical journey and the Healing journey.

The Historical Journey started in the Dobbs Room of Carrickfergus Town Hall on Tuesday 23rd January 2007.  Around 80 people attended each of the first two events.  The speaker was the historian Jonathan Bardon, creator of ‘A short History of Ulster in 240 episodes’ which ran weekly on BBC Radio Ulster.  On the first evening held in January, Jonathan spoke on the history of Carrickfergus in its wider Irish Context.  Then in February he concentrated on the more local aspects of Carrick’s history.

CHURCHES HISTORY TOUR - Saturday 24 March 
The third event in the journey, was an historical walk around some of Carrick’s town centre churches.  It included visits to St Nicholas’ Church of Ireland, First  Presbyterian Church North Street, St Nicholas’ R.C. Church in Minorca Place and Gateway Church in Governor’s Place.   A blue badge historical guide, Mr John O’McIllvenna led the tour.  
Around 40 people gathered at the Civic Centre in Antrim Street at 10am for a brief talk in the Education Room before heading out.  The tour ended in Gateway Church with some light refreshments.

'THE TROUBLES - THE COMMUNITY IMPACT ON CARRICKFERGUS'
Tuesday 24th April 
Carrickfergus Town Hall
Cll. Sean Neeson (MLA) and Cll. Billy Hamilton recalled their personal journeys through the dark years of the Troubles and reflected on the impact of 'the troubles' on Carrickfergus. 
Faciliated by Mr Derek Poole, from Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland.

PART 5
A JOURNEY TOWARDS COMMUNITY HEALING
Tuesday 8th May,  8.00pm
Gateway Church, Governors Place

Identifying with PAST community hurts
Confronting PRESENT fears
Redeeming our FUTURE

with international speaker:-
Ps. Roger Mitchell.
Author and consultant on community reconciliation. Currently doing a doctoral research at Lancaster University.


Journey in Understanding 2007 Programme
Journey in Understanding 2007 - Programme (pdf format)

Click the link above for the full programme.

GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER - SUNDAY 27th MAY 2007
(Posted March 2007)

www.transformations-ireland.org

Over the past two years, thousands gathered in the Grounds of Parliament  Buildings at Stormont, on Penecost Sunday afternoons to take part in a Global Day of Prayer.

This year, in place of a national Global Day of Prayer, local united assemblies have been called for, to take place.  This will continue for the next 3 years.    Plans are underway for Carrickfergus to be of many venues for a gathering.  This will take place on the Castle Green, Pentecost Sunday 27th May 2007 at 3pm finishing at 5pm.

See Global Day of Prayer Website

Click here for Photographs of the 2006 event.
Click here for Photographs of the the 2005 event

PRESBYTERIANS ANNOUNCE £250,000 PEACE BUILDING INITIATIVE
'THE GOSPEL IN CONFLICIT'
(Posted March 2007)

Tuesday, 20 March in Church House, Fisherwick Place Belfast, the Presbyterian Church launched a major peace building initiative entitled 'The Gospel in Conflict.'

The initiative was launched by Presbyterian Moderator Dr David Clarke and the General Director of the Evangelical Alliance in the UK, Rev Joel Edwards.

"The Churches in Ireland can claim, with some justification, to have been a force for stability and tolerance during the decades of 'the troubles'," claims Dr Clarke. "Regrettably, we must also concede that we have not been as proactive as we might have been in the task of peacemaking. It is therefore encouraging that a greater emphasis is now being given to this dimension of our mission."

Funded to £250,000 by the International Fund for Ireland, the Community Relations Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Youth Link:NI, the Kennedy Charitable Foundation and the Presbyterian Church, 'The Gospel in Conflict' is a five week course that Presbyterian congregations are being encouraged to run either by themselves or with the help of trained facilitators.

"The Presbyterian Church has clearly expressed its commitment to peace building," explains Laura Coulter, one of two full time Peace Officers funded by the project and who has responsibility for the new initiative. "In 1992 the General Assembly agreed its Peace Vocation, then it developed a network of peace agents across the church to promote peacemaking in congregations and over the last five years the 'Preparing Youth to be Peacemakers' programme has been running very successfully among our young people."

Aimed at Presbyterians, 'The Gospel in Conflict' course reflects on peacemaking as an integral part of discipleship, focusing on the biblical mandate to love our neighbour and rooting it within the experience of participants.

Five themes are explored: (1) Living in a Divided Society, (2) Exploring our Presbyterian Identity, (3) Dealing with Disagreement, (4) Relating to our Neighbours and (5) Taking Steps in Building Peace.

By considering how the early church dealt with conflict it helps those taking part develop ways in which the divisions they experience today can be dealt with from personal, church and community perspectives.

"'The Gospel in Conflict' aims to build up the confidence of Presbyterians in their own faith," adds Rev Liz Hughes, convener of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Panel. "It will encourage everyone to be involved in practical faith based peace building that will help create harmony both in our own lives and in our communities."

Through dialogue they believe we can become more aware of our deeper feelings about social and political issues.   With awareness we can evaluate the consequences of different options to achieve what we want. When we do this together we understand other groups better.

Community Dialogue works with groups in Northern Ireland and other areas of conflict.

For more on what they do click here.

PROPHECIES ON - GOD'S HEART FOR IRELAND
(Posted September 2006)
 

'COMMUNITIES OF RECONCILIATION'
CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING 2006
(Posted December 2004)
Carrickfergus will be one of 14 centres across Northern Ireland and border counties to host an important inter-church, cross-community course entitled “Communities of Reconciliation”, which aims to highlight reconciliation as an important issue for the local church.

DON'T MISS this exciting new Journey in Understanding course which will be held for 6 Tuesday evenings at 7-30pm in the

Coast Road Hotel, Carrickfergus , starting on
Tuesday 2nd March through to Tuesday 6th April 2006. 

THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS COURSE!

THEME:
‘Disarming The Powers! Challenging Sacred & Cultural Violence’

Many people have difficulty with Christianity due to what seems the many violent images of God portrayed in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. There are violent texts of scripture which have been used to authorise and support violence. What do we do with such ‘sacred texts’ ?

The process must address the issue of violence within ourselves, society, scriptures and God. There are hard questions to ask; a culture to unmask and an alternative nonviolent vision to be shaped - which might well be described as just peacemaking.

For those who take part there will also be an opportunity to meet for a day with other groups from across N. Ireland and the border counties to share experiences and support each other in developing communities of reconciliation.  

Theme for residential this year is 'Just Peacemaking - Strategies for Active Non-Violent Peacemaking' and will be held in Drumalis Conference Centre, Larne, from 5th - 7th May 2006.

The course is delivered by facilitators from the Irish School of Ecumenics and is funded by the Community Foundation for N I as part of the E U Special Programme for Peace & Reconciliation - Phase II (Cross-border Consortium).

Other centres where the course is being run include: Belfast, Coleraine, Limavady, Dungannon, Portstewart, Newry, Ballycastle, Tandragee, Castlewellan, Enniskillen, Dundalk, Raphoe, Ballybay
and now Carrickfergus.

For further reflection see:
INNATE (Irish Network for Nonviolent Action, Training and Education)

Building Peace: Christians and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland

Irish School of Ecumenics

Carrick

2006

CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING 2004
(Posted March 2004)

LATEST: An social evening of fun to celebrate the successful completion of the latest leg of the Journey in Understanding, will be held in St Coleman's, Larne Road, on Friday 18th June 2004.  More details to follow.

A bold programme - with some well know names in the work of Christian reconciliation providing the input, was held during the Lenten season.  The venue for this inter-church event was  the Parish Community centre in St Nicholas, Minorca Place, Carrickfergus.  The average attendance was around 50 with on one occasion up to 100 in attendance.

Over 40 people attended an additional residential event on 19th/20th March in Drumalis Conference Centre, Larne.  Theme was "Journeys of Reconciliation".

An historic Psalm Sunday joint evening service was held on Sunday 4th April  in St Nicholas Church, Minorca Pace, Carrickfergus with the Rev. Maurice Gault from Downshire Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus providing the homily for the event, during which he spoke passionately for a new era of understanding and co-operation between the Protestant and Catholic traditions in Carrickfergus while assuring the 200 - 300 people in attendance to expect more Journey in Understanding initiatives for the future, as this journey together was only beginning.  Also in attendance were the Rev. Michael McCann and Rev. Billy Stewart from St Colman's Church of Ireland, Kilroot and Roy Crowe from Gateway Church.

This was followed by an equally historic return visit by Fr Cosgrove, parish priest of  St Nicholas Church, Minorca Place, Carrickfergus,  as guest speaker at the Sunday evening Service held in Downshire Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus, on 30th November 2003. 
Over 300 people attended this joyful and historic event.

Click here for full  details.    PHOTOGRAPHS    A Prayer

2004

2004

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC MEETING - CARRICKFERGUS - THURS 13TH OCT.
(Posted October 2005)
'Human Rights and the ‘War on Terror’ was the theme of Amnesty International's four public meetings being held during October, including one in Carrickfergus, Thurs 13 October in Marine Waterfront Centre, 7-30pm until 9pm.  Speakers: Patrick Corrigan, AI Programme Director; John Harkin, AI Regional Representative.

Full list of public meetings held:

CROSS-CULTURAL SPRING CELEBRATION - TOWN HALL
(Posted May 2004)
The Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding group hosted a very successful Cross-Cultural Spring Celebration evening  in the Town Hall Carrickfergus on Friday 21st May 2005.  This was to celebrate the cross-community initiatives and friendships of the past year and was open to everyone in the town.  The evening included some local traditional music and a demonstration of set-dancing, as well as plenty of refreshments.