Aoife Moore, an independent journalist from Derry, discusses the effects of British colonialism in Ireland, particularly on personal trauma and society. She emphasizes the importance of human connection and dialogue in healing divisions in Northern Ireland, advocating for empathy and understanding to transcend socio-political boundaries and foster reconciliation. Continue reading Aoife Moore
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
I spent a good part of the summer in the north of Ireland. It’s a beautiful country filled with lovely people, who spent three decades at the end of the last century at odds. In true, understated Irish fashion, they called their season of sectarian violence The Troubles, and in those years, more than 3,700 people were killed, 50,000 wounded, and an entire nation was … Continue reading A Cautionary Tale
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
250 years ago James Stuart planted 150 beech trees along the entry road to his estate near Ballycastle, Ireland. He wanted to impress his guests and visitors. Today, the rural lane is impressive indeed, with tour buses and Instagram posters making regular stops. The site has been used as a movie set and as a backdrop for ads. I visited the Dark Hedges last summer … Continue reading Planting trees
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
I arrived in Northern Ireland today. An overnight flight to Dublin, a rental car, and a successful three hour route to the north, driving on the left side of the road. I’ve done that before, but it still feels a little weird. We get used to doing things a certain way. Our way. The right way. I’m here to meet a group of students and … Continue reading Northern Ireland
