Christian perspective of legacy issues is examined

Considering Grace — Presbyterians and the Troubles

Photo above – Taking part in the Q&A session during the online conference (left to right) are key note speakers Canon David Porter and Professor Stafford Carson, with Karen Jardine, PCI’s public affairs officer who moderated the session, co-authors of the book ‘Considering Grace – Presbyterians and the Troubles’, Dr Gladys Ganiel and Dr Jamie Yohanis along with Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches

An online conference has heard a Christian perspective on how Northern Ireland should deal with the legacy of the Troubles, Adrian Rutherford reports in the Belfast Telegraph.

Participants discussed themes contained in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s book Considering Grace — Presbyterians and the Troubles.
Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev Dr David Bruce spoke of his delight that the conference was able to take place.

He said: “While there remains little consensus around how the state and its institutions should deal with the legacy of our collective past politically, legacy is more than politics.

“While it is a sorely contested space, we should not forget, that it is primarily about people and their healing, and ultimately forgiveness on a road to reconciliation, something that we all have a part to play in — especially those of us who profess a Christian faith.”

Originally planned as an ‘in-person’ event in March, it was postponed due to the onset of the coronavirus crisis.

But on Wednesday over 120 people took part online, listening to keynote speakers, the Belfast-born Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Canon David Porter and Very Rev Professor Stafford Carson, Principal of PCI’s Union Theological College.

Those watching also took part in a Q&A session with Dr Gladys Ganiel and Dr Jamie Yohanis, the book’s authors, along with Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches, who contributed to the book and the keynote speakers.

Taking part from London, Canon Porter discussed the impact of the book for wider society.

Rev Dr Tony Davidson, minister of First Armagh Presbyterian Church, and convener of PCI’s Peace and Reconciliation Panel, led the project.

He said: “With so much unfinished business around the legacy of our past, it is our hope that the book, together with this online event, will contribute over the longer term, to an important wider discussion inside our Church and in society on dealing with the past, reconciliation and forgiveness.”