Travel Study Seminar: Peacemaking in Northern Ireland
Peacemaking and Reconciliation in the Celtic Context
April 1‒12, 2013
The North Coast, Northern Ireland. Photo by Kiran Young Wimberly.
Northern Ireland’s tumultuous history has calmed in the past decade. What remains is a post-conflict society in which there is much scope for change and growth – but we also find lasting resentments, unhealed wounds, and continued segregation between Protestant and Catholic communities.
Participants will look to the distant past of Irish Christian history to glean from the wisdom of Celtic Spirituality, a Christian tradition that can be claimed by both Protestants and Catholics. We will visit sites significant to Celtic Christianity that will reveal a glimpse of Celtic Christians’ faith, creativity, passion, intelligence and yearnings for justice. Participants will also encounter Irish hospitality and culture as we share a Sunday lunch with Protestant and Catholic families, listen to traditional music and witness some of the stunning landscape of the Green Isle.
On this journey we will delve into modern-day Northern Ireland and its contemporary expression of faith. We will meet with local individuals and organizations involved in conflict mediation, restoration of ecumenical relationships, intercommunity reconciliation and support for those who have been traumatized and bereaved by “the troubles.”
Cost
$1,395 plus round-trip airfare from your home to Dublin or Belfast.
travel information
Monday, April 1 is a travel day. Participants are asked to arrive to Northern Ireland on Tuesday, April 2. The seminar concludes with departures on Friday, April 12. Participants who wish may choose to stay on their own for additional personal travel.
Application process
Please download an application form and a covenant. Complete both and either scan to peacemaking@pcusa.org or fax to 502-569-8115. You can also mail the completed application and covenant to: Presbyterian Peacemaking Program 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202-1396
Deadline
September 4, 2012
Notification date
September 10, 2012
Non-refundable deposit
October 1, 2012 ($250)
Payment in full
December 3, 2012 (balance of $1,145)
For more information
Contact Carl Horton by email or at (800) 728-7228 ext. 5200
Seminar leaderS
Kiran Young Wimberly, PC(USA) minister who has been living in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the past five years. She is pilgrimage director for the Centre for Celtic Spirituality, an ecumenical nonprofit organization that looks at Celtic Spirituality as a source of reconciliation for Protestants and Catholics.
Carl Horton, Strategic Planning and Program Facilitator for the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program since May 2011.
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Comments
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May I suggest that you visit Dr. Gladys Ganiel, who lectures in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation at Trinity College Dublin's Belfast campus (the Irish School of Ecumenics). Among her main areas of research are the Northern Ireland conflict and Christianity in Ireland. I have contributed a series of posts about the Christian inspiration I have received from Celtic musicians to her blog titled "Building a Church Without Walls."
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Geoff, sorry I missed this comment earlier! You may already have the answer to this question, but arriving Easter Monday would be just fine - most in the group will probably be doing the same. Hope that helps!
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Just wondering about travel and timing... If I fly overnight on Easter Sunday and arrive on the morning of the 1st, am I going to be late on getting involved (or just tired).
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Marjorie, the daily schedule is quite full, but you could always tack on a day or two before or after the group comes in order to explore your ancestral home. A great opportunity to get in touch with your Irish heritage!
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This is the trip I have been waiting for for years. Will there be time to also visit the home and church of my forbears, Presbyterian of course. Sign me up!