Leaders representing the Irish churches planted a tree at 174 Trust, Belfast, to mark International Day of Peace, which has been observed around the world on 21 September, since the United Nations unanimously voted to establish it nearly 40 years ago.
Photo above – Pictured (left to right) are the Venerable Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor and Rector of All Saints Parish Church Antrim, representing the Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, Father Brendan McManus, representing the Most Rev Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Rev Brian Anderson, President of the Irish Council of Churches, Rev Sam McGuffin, President of the Methodist Church of Ireland and Rev Bill Shaw, director of the 174 Trust.
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), Rt Rev Dr William Henry, said: “As followers of the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ, peacebuilding is a reflection of who we are in Christ and must be at the heart of Christian discipleship.
“Peacebuilding will look different for each and every one of us and it isn’t easy, but Jesus has let us know that there is no commandment greater than to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind’ and to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.”
The Moderator also reflected on PCI’s Vision for Society Statement that it received at its 2016 General Assembly.
He said: “It is a short and simple statement, not an easy one to read as it states clearly that ‘We confess our failure to live as biblically faithful peacebuilders…’ but it is a powerful one.
“Peacebuilding is an essential part of Christian witness and the statement challenges us to go beyond ourselves, ‘seeking a more reconciled community…working together for the common good’. It challenges and inspires me, as it should challenge and inspire us all as a denomination.”
174 Trust is doing first rate community reconciliation work.
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