by Glenn Barclay

Glenn Barclay spent four years in Northern Ireland as Leader/Administrator and resident member of the Columbanus Community of Reconciliation, Belfast.

While in Israel during 1998 I read of 29 shoppers killed by bombs in Omagh, Northern Ireland. There, in a land of ancient and current enmity, I contemplated the Christian work I was soon to do in a country also marked by bitter generational and religious conflict . What had led me to such a decision?

My role as an international peace-worker had its roots in a simple childhood faith which led me eventually to ordained ministry in Howick and Timaru. Always I felt the scandal of Christian disunity aligned with antagonism, ignorance or apathy. Unconsciously I became an 'ecumenik'!

As one of the Mission Resource Team, I found that goodwill does not automatically occur between Christians, particularly between the denominations. I felt God was saying: "The way of peace is forgiveness and reconciliation; is togetherness with sensitivity. Possibility follows."

My work with Te Hinota Maori (as then named) re-inforced this. Respectful interaction can lead to trusting friendship.

The Columbanus Community of Reconciliation (CCR) allowed me to express this. Based in Belfast, it was a community of Catholics and Protestants modelling reconciliation and authentic relationship. While prayer, hospitality and learning were central, so too was cross-community work to help people move beyond sectarianism and injustice.

My own contribution was varied. I became secretary of the Antrim Road Clergy Association, a key dialogue and action group. I was invited to create and lead workshops and seminars; spoke on radio; did a BBC Witness programme; and had articles published in major newspapers. We ran children's after-school and holiday programmes. I organised tasks for community service workers who came regularly. We created a Peace Garden. Volunteers and staff were also my responsibility, some coming from other countries. Planning, publishing and running our CCR programme took much time.

CCR sowed the seeds of possibility of a shared life of shalom. It was part of a network of peace-creating groups that were a witness internationally. CCR's presence challenged local churchgoers regarding concord and co-operation.

To live and worship together, with much dialogue and discovery ­ such communal life was like finding a holy treasure in a field, precious yet bringing responsibility. I felt joy when relationships were being transformed; when non-violent options were followed; when political progress was sustained. I wanted to root this task in my home church and became a Partner in Mission under the former COMEC. I felt my work was on behalf of the Christians of Aotearoa.

Despite antagonism and instability of the governance of Northern Ireland, perseverance was vital. International helpers who were non-dogmatic and sensitive, and remained in solidarity over several years providing encouragement to weary, local peace-builders. A non-judgemental, caring presence comforted and supported those seeking a happier Northern Ireland. I felt privileged to be there.

What can Christians here do? Prayer that is well-informed about realities in Northern Ireland is needed. Invitations to certain peace people or to a cross-community group of youngsters for a period of mutual learning and friendship could do much good. Sending a group to Northern Ireland as volunteers for a project has real possibilities.

I have regular contact with friends over there. Their pilgrim journey parallels our journey. Their faith, within ordeal, can inspire ours. It does mine.

Contacts:

<typolist>

glennjettab(at)actrix.co.nz

www.corrymeela.org

www.mediationnorthernireland.org

www.mediatrust.org

www.econi.org

</typolist>