Public Theologian, Belfast Jonny Clark is the program manager for Public Theology at Corrymeela, sometimes called Ireland’s oldest peace center. Born in New Zealand and married to an American, Jonny has lived in Northern Ireland for 40 years. When he was growing up, his family moved to Belfast at the heights of The Troubles. As he says, “During a time when most people were not … Continue reading Jonny Clark
In Northern Ireland, we coordinated several studio days in different locations around the country. We wanted to hear stories of healing in the wake of their sectarian violence known as the Troubles. As we often do, we partnered with existing groups who are already doing good work on the ground in an effort to amplify voices of hope and healing. We partnered with the Women … Continue reading Northern Ireland studio
This trip to Northern Ireland was an experiment. We set out to see if it was possible to line up and gather a series of stories that could get at the heart of how that place has navigated their history of sectarian violence. How they have moved toward healing. And the work that is left to do. I was traveling with our three summer interns … Continue reading Exploring Hope: Stories from Northern Ireland’s Healing Journey
Kate West is one of our three summer interns from Willamette University and a Conversation Ambassador for the Conversation Project at Willamette. Kate is a rising senior majoring in Peace and Justice studies and calls Redmond, OR home. She wrote this blog based on our recent walk through the neighborhoods of North Belfast. “This past week, we walked along the peace walls in Belfast between … Continue reading Walls
It’s been a whirlwind since I returned from Ireland a couple weeks back, but I wanted to update you on what’s unfolding from this exploratory trip. The short story is wow. Just, wow. But, of course there’s more. I had in mind that this could offer a chance to build on some existing relationships and develop new ones, all to lay the foundation for a … Continue reading Northern Ireland update
Here’s the question… Can we do this thing we do internationally? Can we make good connections? Can we find interesting people to interview? Can we understand well enough the issues that other places are facing to listen and engage and learn along the way? Can we navigate the logistics and the language and the varied power supplies and come back with work that matters…to me, … Continue reading Here we go
Two men walked into an East Belfast pub. One, a local who had lived there all his life, the other from middle America, visiting for the first time. They both ordered a pint and sat side by side at the bar. “How are you, then?” asked one of them. “I’ve been better,” said the other, and the conversation unfolded as they slowly emptied their pints. … Continue reading Pub talk
There’s a thought that’s been rolling through my mind since returning from Northern Ireland and trying to understand the division and conflict that continues to ripple through that land. “We are not so different.” The sense is the same if I stand on our soil and look at our many challenges, or stand on their soil and look at their Troubles. In fact, it’s the … Continue reading We are not so different
I am just back from a week in Northern Ireland, and of course my body thinks it is noon while it’s still the wee dawn hours here in Minnesota, so I’m doing my best to be productive, though perhaps not profound, as I start to process this whole experience. On the last day of the trip, I took a walking tour with Arthur Magee of … Continue reading Walls
