50 Years
Courage
6 18 22 24 Summer 2015 Volume 15 No 2 www.corrymeela.org www.facebook.com/Corrymeela Follow us on twitter @Corrymeela The Ice-Cream Man
Rum and raisin, vanilla, butterscotch, walnut, peach: I first heard Michael Longley read this poem You would rhyme off the flavours. That was before at Corrymeela and that was the moment when I understood, why some have described him They murdered the ice-cream man on the Lisburn Road as one of the greatest living lyrical poets in the And you bought carnations to lay outside his shop. world. His gentle inflection and subtle reading I named for you all the wild flowers of the Burren allow the words to work their way into your being, before you have quite realized what is I had seen in one day: thyme, valerian, loosestrife, happening. The horror of the sectarian murder Meadowsweet, tway blade, crowfoot, ling, angelica, is replaced by a recitation of the wildflowers Herb robert, marjoram, cow parsley, sundew, vetch, found near his cottage in Connemara. A simple Mountain avens, wood sage, ragged robin, stitchwort, act of comforting his daughter but also a quiet act of courage and defiance, and respect for all Yarrow, lady's bedstraw, bindweed, bog pimpernel. living things.
Michael Longley Mark McCleary From Collected Poems by Michael Longley published by Jonathan Cape (2007). Reprinted by permission of the Random House Group Ltd.
Michael Longley will perform at our 50th Anniversary Gala Reception “The Poet, The Peacemaker and The President” Belfast City Hall, Friday 30th October
2 | CORRYMEELA Corrymeela magazine In this Issue Summer 2015 Volume 15 Number 2 The Ice Cream Man 2 www.corrymeela.org www.facebook.com/Corrymeela Thoughts from the Leader 4 Follow us on twitter @Corrymeela
A Royal Visit 6 Corrymeela magazine 129 Ormeau Road, Belfast Living Together Well in a Culturally Diverse Society 10 Northern Ireland BT7 1SH Contact, Culture and Conflict around the Causeway 12 Tel: +44 (0) 28 9050 8080 No Child Left Behind 14 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9050 8070 Email: [email protected] As Long as My Bin Gets Lifted 15 Corrymeela magazine is published Corrymeela begins when you leave… 16 by the Corrymeela Community. Violence hidden in plain sight 18 The Corrymeela Community is a Waiting & Silence 21 dispersed community of people of all ages and Christian traditions The Poet, The Peacemaker and The President 22 who, individually and together, are committed to the healing of social, Common Grounds 24 religious and political divisions in Lenten Pilgrimage of Prayer for Peace 26 Northern Ireland and throughout the world. Corrymeela News 27 Corrymeela magazine is sent to Events round up 30 all ‘Friends of Corrymeela’. To become a ‘Friend of Corrymeela’ A Centre For Public Theology? 31 and receive the magazine send Coming Up 32 your name and address to the Belfast office. Friends subscription is £36 (waged), £18 (unwaged), (€46 / €23, US $50 / $25) per annum. The magazine is published three Dear Friend times per year. The articles in Corrymeela “Corrymeela begins when you leave,” says the sign above the front door in Ballycastle. magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the For 50 years members, staff and visitors have been taking the lessons learned here into Corrymeela Community. The their daily lives and work. In this magazine we hear just a few of those stories showing acceptance of advertising does not imply editorial endorsement. how the Corrymeela vision has played out from Belfast to South East Asia, and how Corrymeela magazine is protected many lives have been transformed by it. We also report on the recent visit by Prince by copyright and nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part Charles where he described Corrymeela as a place where people could ‘talk about the without prior permission. All hurts, which are too deep to bear in silence.’ extracts are reproduced with the permission of the original publisher/author. We are also starting to gather stories for our 50th Anniversary weekend and it is a truly humbling experience. There are stories of courage, stories of loss, stories full of both fear Corrymeela Belfast 129 Ormeau Road, Belfast and hope. Overwhelmingly there are stories of lives irrevocably changed by time spent Northern Ireland BT7 1SH here. At a moment when we are struggling to move beyond what Colin Craig describes Tel: +44 (0) 28 9050 8080 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9050 8070 as the “hollowed out peace,” it is good to be reminded of what a small group of people Email: [email protected] achieved in much darker times. And I believe it is why Corrymeela is still here 50 years on Web site: www.corrymeela.org
when so many other organisations have faded away. Corrymeela Ballycastle 5 Drumaroan Road, Ballycastle Our 50th anniversary is a time for reflection and for thanksgiving and I am very grateful Northern Ireland BT54 6QU Tel: +44 (0) 28 2076 2626 for your continued support as we try to build a shared future for all. Fax: +44 (0) 28 2076 2770 Email: [email protected] Mark McCleary Corrymeela is a Company Limited Head of Communications, Corrymeela by Guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland No NI006823, registered with The Charity Acknowledgements: Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101597 and registered as a Corrymeela would like to thank the charity with HMRC Reference No following for the images used in this edition XN48052A. of our magazine:
Zach Dunn, Ivan Cross, Richard Naylor, Editor: Mark McCleary Courtnae Dunn , Paul Hutchinson and Design: TatchDesign. Tel: 9260 1832 Donna Ashton. Printing: GPS, Belfast
CORRYMEELA | 3 Thoughts from the Leader
A NEW DISCOVERY OF be late. Then they phone the and a festival of humanity is Corrymeela is a place where POETRY for me in the last poets Palestinian father and created in what could have small meetings happen like year has been Naomi Shibab the passenger discovers that been a place of anxiety. The this every day. People arrive Nye. She was born in the she knows many people in poem ends with: and leave. People meet United States to a father who common with the father. Then each other over cups of tea, was a Palestinian Refugee they phone others who speak “And I looked around that while waiting at reception, and a mother of Swiss and Arabic and then the woman gate of late and weary ones on their way into sessions, German descent. She’s lived in takes out some small sweet and I thought, this is the world while skipping sessions. the States, in Jerusalem, and breads from her bag and I want to live in. The shared Individuals who come from considers herself a wanderer, hands them around. world. Not a single person in different areas of life have someone for whom the world that gate – once the crying of the opportunity to meet each is both a home and always a Before long they have begun confusion stopped – seemed other in the simplicity of curiosity. sharing with others in the apprehensive about any other community. waiting lounge. A four hour person. They took the cookies. Often in her poetry, she stops delay becomes a time for talk, I wanted to hug all those other There is a taste of something to take note of some small for children running around women, too. rich in this. When I see corner of humanity: a little boy covered in the sugar from the friendships develop among who mistakenly thinks she’s sweet breads. Naomi speaks This can still happen volunteers, among new someone else; a neighbour; of women sharing food and anywhere. Not everything is community members and a book that she’d forgotten speaking with each other, lost.” longstanding community about. For Naomi Shibab Nye, members, among the the vast sea of humanity is one participants of residentials, of discovery, with potential for I am moved to be part of the kindness and cruelty. She is joyful tumble of community both present to, and observing that occurs when a centre these worlds that surround her. like Corrymeela stands in its witness to the world - we My favourite poem of hers is witness that not everything called “Gate A-4” and is in her is lost. We witness that life’s 2008 collection “Honeybee”. distresses can be met with In it, she’s at an airport, hospitality. We witness that waiting for a flight and hears the joy of children playing over the tannoy that it’s going brings joy to all. We witness to be delayed by four hours. that the land, the cliff, the sea The voice over the tannoy air, the waves, the cups of tea, also asks if anyone could the fireplaces, the island and help translate the message horizon and the conversations into Arabic for a passenger can all play a part in bringing who does not understand us to touch our own deepest English. The poet goes and humanity. translates for a woman who is distressed. They then phone The history of Ireland has the woman’s son to explain shown us what it is like when to him that his mother will Naomi Shibab Nye people forget their own
4 | CORRYMEELA from the Leader
humanity. We injure and “Festival without end”. and connection, and in so Welcome to the festival fracture each other. We get doing helped to transform a without end. Welcome to the caught in addictive cycles of For us at Corrymeela as we corner of an airport. We too, rich lives that surround us. blame and violence. We do celebrate this 50th year with wish to be part of the festival Welcome to Corrymeela. not move towards each other a festival, and as we look of life that can happen when with hope or potential. Places forward to more events in people reach out across Pádraig Ó Tuama of encounter are places of life, October and November, language, pain and story to Leader, Corrymeela and this kind of life is both we want to have our eyes share what we have with each Community immediately present and also opened to the distresses that other. We have so much to has a foretaste of the eternal. surround us, little and large. share - our courage, our story, Brother Roger of Taizé spoke The poet Naomi Shibab Nye our delight, our pain and our of heaven as “Ta fête soit sans responded to distress with survival. fin”, rendered in English as words and language, family
CORRYMEELA | 5 A Royal Visit
WORDS AND FEELINGS OF “At the time I could not imagine how we would come LOSS that would be familiar to terms with the anguish of such a deep loss, since for to many who have visited Corrymeela over the years. me Lord Mountbatten represented a grandfather that Prince Charles returned to our Ballycastle centre at the I never had. So it seemed as if the foundations of all end of an emotional journey, which included a visit to we hold dear in life had been torn apart irreparably the place where the IRA murdered his Great Uncle in through this dreadful experience. I now understand, 1979. It was the last stop of a visit themed around peace in a profound way, the agony borne by so many others and reconciliation. in these islands of whatever faith, denomination Prince Charles and the or political tradition.” Prince Charles Duchess of Cornwall met staff, volunteers and children from 5 local primary schools. Pádraig and Colin led Prince Charles on a tour of the site
6 | CORRYMEELA pointing out our plans for He spoke of the pain that all well together and the lessons reconciliation, where people Biomass heating, the newly victims feel and the healing of reconciliation in Northern who have been affected by planted orchard and our just that comes slowly after such Ireland can also be applied to violence acknowledge what finished polytunnel. This will trauma. Pádraig spoke of fractures in many countries has happened in a way that be a great space for working the importance of gestures of across the world. Executive addresses the future with with groups, but also a way reconciliation and shared his Director Colin Craig believed wisdom, leadership and hope. to grow food for the kitchens poem, “Shaking Hands.” This that Corrymeela was an “ and spur us on to be able to was written after he witnessed appropriate place to end what compost more of our food the meeting between Queen was an emotional visit for Corrymeela continues to be waste. Elizabeth II and Martin Prince Charles. an open village – open to all of McGuinness in Belfast, and goodwill and we were happy The tour continued through our visitor listened attentively “For many years we have to welcome Prince Charles the Golden Garden, where perhaps reflecting on his own worked with victims of violence and the Duchess of Cornwall he stopped to chat with our meeting with Gerry Adams on all sides and Prince Charles to our centre. We hope it was intrepid team of gardeners – earlier in the week. understands the pain of losing a healing visit for him and Dot Wilson, Yvonne Naylor, a close family member. It is that this week’s gesture of Joe Kennedy and Heather The Royal visit was also poignant that some of reconciliation will help us all & Alistair Kilgore. In the themed around peace our work with families and move forward. In his speech main house the Duchess of and reconciliation and in young people over the last Prince Charles quoted the Cornwall joined him to meet his speech Prince Charles few years has been supported Ulster poet Helen Waddell the staff and volunteers along paid tribute to the work of by a fund set up by Countess who asks, with a residential group from Corrymeela and particular to Mountbatten in memory of St Mary’s University in Texas our founder Ray Davey. her son Nicholas who was also “Would you think Heaven who couldn’t quite believe killed in 1979.” could be so small a thing As their luck. There was also “In the roots of Corrymeela, a lit window on the hills at a short private visit with we can discover lessons that After the speech John Hunter, night?“ women from the Stop Peace can serve as a model to all Chair of the Corrymeela Unravelling Project, facilitated who strive for peace and council presented a number And then envisages a moment by Susan McEwen. reconciliation. As you know so of gifts to the royal couple when she will, much better than I, Corrymeela including a painting of After a brief stop for was founded by Ray Davey, local wildflowers by Rachel “…come in stumbling from the press photos by the Cross a remarkable man whose Craig, the Corrymeela Turf gloom, overlooking Rathlin Island, experience of suffering as a Cross and some handmade Half-blind, into a firelit room. the attention turned to the prisoner of war inspired him baby hats for his new Turn, and see you, Davey Village. In the foyer to wrestle with the question of granddaughter. There was And there abide.” the Royal Couple stopped for building community amidst one other gift and it stole the a chat with Sean Pettis and conflict. I was lucky enough show as Michael Maundu, He ended his speech with this our partners on the Contact, to meet him when I came our volunteer from Kenya reflection. Culture and Conflict around here all those years ago. It also presented one of his own the Causeway project. Our was this vision that led him to paintings and got up close “It is, I think, a moving vision of archaeologists from Queens establish a place where people and personal with the royal coming home from darkness, and the University of Ulster of different backgrounds, couple. exclusion and coldness to light, had persuaded the Causeway different political and religious acceptance and warmth. In Museum to bring along some beliefs and different identities Corrymeela Community Corrymeela, for fifty years, artefacts including a priceless could gather to break bread, Leader Pádraig Ó Tuama who you have been that lit window 17th century sword. to work together, to learn and, hosted the visit said, on the hill; you have given most of all, to talk about the peace a home. May we, from The main reception was hurts which are too deep to “Corrymeela’s journey over all our traditions, with all our held in the majestic Kenbane bear in silence. As I said earlier the last 50 years has shown memories and all our regrets, Lounge and was a mix of this week in Sligo, healing us the power of people and with God’s blessing, make Community members, is possible even when the telling their stories, of shared a home for peace in our own volunteers, partners and heartache continues – and the hospitality, of telling the hearts.” funders. It was a poignant fruits of Corrymeela over the truth about the present, of moment, coming at the end past fifty years bear testament turning towards each other Mark McCleary of a week when the Prince to this.” and finding strength, life and Head of Communications, had visited the spot where the hope in each other. Prince Corrymeela IRA killed his beloved great- Corrymeela believes that we Charles’s visit shows the Uncle Lord Mountbatten. can learn to live and work importance of gestures of
CORRYMEELA | 7 Ladies and Gentlemen, of the great poet W.B.Yeats, to mark the hundred and My wife and I are enormously Full text of speech by fiftieth anniversary of his touched to have been birth. Yeats, of course, had invited to visit you all here, many great insights into the at Corrymeela. In my case HRH The Prince human condition and historic it’s particularly special to be events. But, if I may, I would able to come back after all of Wales like to refer to the work of these years. I have such happy one of his contemporaries, memories of my visit here in at Corrymeela the poet Helen Waddell, from 1998 – which was of course a Northern Ireland, who was a landmark year in the history fellow–member, with Yeats, of of our islands. Of all places, Kenbane Lounge the Irish Literary Society, and the Corrymeela Community 22nd May 2015 who died fifty years ago this reminds us of the patient year. In one haunting poem, and painful work that must she talks about how ultimate be done to heal the divisions peace, how the divine, is that have, in the past, brought suffered, as you and I know which are too deep to bear encountered in human such sorrow to this most all too well, by all sides. From in silence. As I said earlier contact, in community. beautiful part of the world. our shared wounds and scars, this week in Sligo, healing In her poem, the speaker, Therefore, it is particularly we can, I hope, I pray, share is possible even when the seeking solace in her spirit, special to be here now in your healing, and a friendship heartache continues – and the contemplates walking the Golden Anniversary year and made all the stronger for the fruits of Corrymeela over the windswept landscape of the to see at first–hand all that trials it has overcome. past fifty years bear testament Ulster coast, and she asks: you have achieved as you to this. seek to engage in what have We have all suffered too Would you think Heaven could been called “uncomfortable much. Too many people’s One can only imagine that be so small a thing conversations”. It is a great loved ones have been killed or Ray Davey’s heart would have As a lit window on the hills at tribute to your tireless maimed. Surely, it is time, as I been gladdened to see the night? work that you have been so said in Sligo two days ago, that administrations in Dublin successful in encouraging we become the subjects of our and London today working She is saying, I believe, that it dialogue as a means of healing history and not its prisoners. together so closely; to see the is in the intimate, necessary and in discovering respectful warm welcomes afforded setting of the everyday that ways of addressing hard Surely, too, in the roots of to The Queen and to The the great issues must be, issues – issues which have left Corrymeela, we can discover President of Ireland as they and can be, resolved. In her none of us unaffected. lessons that can serve as a visited each others’ countries; poem, the speaker envisages a model to all who strive for to see just how far the peace moment when she will: Indeed, Corrymeela is a peace and reconciliation. process has come and to see beneficiary of the fund set As you know so much the sense of common purpose …come in stumbling from the up in memory of my godson, better than I, Corrymeela shared by the people of this gloom, Nicholas Knatchbull, who was was founded by Ray Davey, island as they pursue the path Half–blind, into a firelit room. killed at Mullaghmore in 1979 a remarkable man whose of reconciliation. Turn, and see you, along with his grandfather experience of suffering as a And there abide. and my beloved great uncle, prisoner of war inspired him As you will know better than Lord Mountbatten, his young to wrestle with the question me, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is, I think, a moving vision of friend, Paul Maxwell, and his of building community the story of Northern Ireland coming home from darkness, grandmother, the Dowager amidst conflict. I was lucky is seen around the world as exclusion and coldness to Lady Brabourne. enough to meet him when a shining example of what light, acceptance and warmth. I came here all those years can be achieved when people In Corrymeela, for fifty years, Our visit to Sligo this week ago. It was this vision that commit themselves to ending you have been that lit window allowed my wife and I to led him to establish a place conflict. on the hill; you have given spend time in a place which where people of different peace a home. May we, from the victims of that tragedy backgrounds, different But, of course, the story all our traditions, with all our held so dear, and also to political and religious beliefs is not over; there is much memories and all our regrets, attend, at Drumcliff Church, and different identities could more still to do. On our and with God’s blessing, make an immensely moving service gather to break bread, to work visit to County Sligo this a home for peace in our own of reconciliation for the hurts together, to learn and, most week, we visited Drumcliff hearts… of the past, which have been of all, to talk about the hurts Churchyard, the burial place
8 | CORRYMEELA CORRYMEELA | 9 Living Together Well in a Culturally Diverse Society Corrymeela 50th Anniversary Dublin Event 8th – 10th May 2015
The Corrymeela Dublin afternoon. She saluted the believed that this had brought cell group celebrated our work and dedication of advantages to a society that 50th Anniversary with a Corrymeela over the last half cherishes the identity of its conference on diversity, in century, and spoke more citizens. The Tánaiste believes Dublin. More than 100 people widely about diversity and we have come a long way as gathered in All Hallows prejudice in Ireland today. a society but that there is still College, Drumcondra for the Within her own Dublin 15 much to do. daylong conference looking at constituency more than a third migration, diversity, prejudice of people were immigrants “Perhaps the simplest answer and Upstanding. and diversity was now the is that we cannot learn to norm. She particularly live together well overnight. The Tánaiste (deputy prime was impressed with how To improve our societies minister) Joan Burton was communities and schools had and reach towards our the keynote speaker in the risen to the challenge and goals, we must, as many of
10 | CORRYMEELA my constituents have done move towards people who are the end of the conference by of telling the truth about the for the past decade, and as different, then we ourselves asking what does it mean to present, of turning towards Corrymeela has now done for become more enriched.” be a neighbour? He related each other and finding half a century, work long and his own experience of moving strength, life and hope in each hard, brick by brick building This point was illustrated by from Cork to Belfast and how other. These lessons are more the world we want to see. a showing of a film made by the experience had made him relevant than ever today, in an With little thought of reward Corrymeela as a resource for feel. He quoted the old Irish increasingly diverse Ireland.” beyond making tomorrow schools across Ireland. Up saying better than today.” Standing – Stories of Courage The celebrations continued from Northern Ireland, tells “ar scáth a chéile on Saturday evening with an The conference also heard of 10 people who stood up a mhaireas na evening of poetry and music in from Tiffy Allan, co-ordinator to violence and prejudice in the Glencree Peace Centre. On for the City of Sanctuary Northern Ireland, often in very daoine” Sunday friends and supporters movement, which works in difficult circumstances. which is generally translated met for a guided walk though 40 towns and cities across as “It is in the shelter of each Dublin looking at places of Ireland and the UK. She said The conference also heard other that the people live.” prejudice and Upstanding, that one of the most important from Sahr Yambasu – a However scáth can also be followed by a service at St challenges in how to be human Methodist minister from Sierra translated as shadow, and Patrick’s Cathedral. is how we deal with difference. Leone now living in Ireland, therefore our community She also highlighted the Nadette Foley from the Irish has the chance to be either Corrymeela believes that we importance of community refugee council and Uché a shadow or a shelter. The can learn to live and work when standing up to injustice. Gabriel Akujobi. Uche is an answer he said lies in a simple well together and the lessons Actor, Director, Musician and moment of courage, which can of reconciliation in Northern “It is important to stand writer originally from Nigeria turn shadow into shelter. Ireland can also be applied to together. Our world is but now an Irish Citizen. fractures in many countries constantly plagued with fear of “Corrymeela’s journey over the across the world. the other, and that fear denies Corrymeela Community last 50 years has shown us the our humanity and our own Leader Pádraig Ó Tuama power of people telling their stories. If we take one step and drew the learning together at stories, of shared hospitality,
CORRYMEELA | 11 Contact, Culture and Conflict around the Causeway
PERCHED ON THE NORTH from England, Scotland, ANTRIM COAST, just under Ireland and other places lived 20 miles across the sea from together leaving evidence the Scottish island of Islay, the of cooperation as well as of Corrymeela Centre is located conflict. It is also shown at the heart of a geographical through material culture interface between the islands shared across these different of Britain and Ireland. In a groups with evidence of rich Northern Ireland context the inter-cultural exchange across word interface has become Britain, Ireland and Europe. synonymous with division and separation, conjuring At Corrymeela we have images of high walls and long understood that the communal violence. Yet, beauty of the coastline and interfaces are by definition serene atmosphere of the points of connection and land around us are key interaction. This idea of ingredients in creating a space connection is at the heart for encounter, dialogue and of our new project ‘Contact, interactions have left a rich the material culture that new possibilities. This project Culture and Conflict around historical footprint in the has been excavated and to will support us to integrate the Causeway’ supported landscape around us, evident develop skills in reading and how the history and heritage by the Heritage Lottery in iconic structures such interpreting the landscape. of our location might also Fund. Through connecting as the castles at Dunluce, Whilst the period of hold promise for building community groups with the Dunseverick and Kinbane, plantation is full of events community and promoting rich history and heritage of but also in the fabric and that are perceived as resonant reconciliation. Moreover, east Ulster, we hope to create layout of towns such as in present conflict, new the project leads Corrymeela new understandings of a Coleraine and Ballycastle. archaeological evidence also into new relationships and complex past and consider Through a residential challenges modern day ideas possibilities through the how this can help us build a programme we will facilitate of exclusive, antagonistic strong collaboration we more peaceful present and community groups across and separate identities. This have developed to deliver future. Northern Ireland to explore can been seen in diverse the project. Our partners these sites, engage with settlements, where people include Ulster University and For centuries, a vibrant Queen’s University, along maritime culture thrived in with the Causeway Museum the Causeway area, as the Service, serving the new sea acted as a bridge and council area in which we sit, not the barrier we think of and the Tourism, Culture, Arts it as now. This interaction and Heritage Unit of Belfast has been evident from the City Council. Each partner earliest human settlement brings a unique set of skills found in Ireland, but perhaps to the wider collective. The in modern memory it is Universities through leading the period of the early 17th Archaeologists Dr Colin Breen Century plantations that and Prof Audrey Horning feature most prominently are experts in the field of as the perceived starting archaeological research point of a cyclical pattern and have a strong ethical of antagonism between commitment to inclusive competing identities. These practice that engages with
12 | CORRYMEELA communities. Our local government partners Helen Perry and Robert Heslip are experts in the field of heritage and have developed a distinctive approach to community participation and learning, particularly in relation to contested heritage. Corrymeela brings our expertise in facilitating difficult conversations, storytelling and links with communities across Northern Ireland, as well as our ability to use residentials to support deeper learning experiences. We are also being guided through the process by our Heritage Consultant, Gemma Reid, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise in community based heritage projects. Partners from left to right: Colin Craig (Corrymeela), Colin Breen (UU), Susan McEwen (Corrymeela), The residential component Sean Pettis (Corrymeela), Helen Perry (Causeway Museum Service), Robert Heslip (Belfast City Council), of the project will begin in Gemma Reid, Emma Schmelzer (Corrymeela), Audrey Horning (QUB). August, and we have already begun delivering short introductory workshops to at a time when dealing with beyond academic settings Corrymeela is working in help us pilot our methods the past continues to be a only if they grow out of new partnership with: and provide groups with a difficult process. The fear relationships which give them ‘taster’ experience of the around exploring a difficult meaning”. Through this wider programme. Whilst past is that it can seem like project we hope to create a we are primarily working pulling at a thread that might series of new relationships; with targeted community unravel the relative peace we between Corrymeela and groups we will also be holding have achieved so far, and so our partners, between the CAUSEWAY a residential ‘open event’ it seems like a better choice people we will work with and MUSEUM SERVICE where participation will to leave it alone. As the late between people now and the be open to the public on a Frank Wright wrote: “It is stories of people in the past. first come first served basis. often said that part of the Information will be available trouble in Northern Ireland Sean Pettis on the Corrymeela website is that we will not forget our Sean co-ordinates the ‘Contact, (www.corrymeela.org) in due history…the real difficulty is Culture and Conflict around the Causeway’ project’, as well as the course. that our versions of history ‘Facing our History, Shaping the are in fact ways of explaining Future’ programme. He can be At Corrymeela we are excited our feelings and especially contacted via email seanpettis@ by the energy and synergy this our fears in everyday life… corrymeela.org or through the collaboration is generating New histories will take root Belfast Office on 028 9050 8080.
CORRYMEELA | 13 Bushmills Transitions Project
No child left behind
CAN YOU REMEMBER residential for all the families parent commented “we need FINISHING PRIMARY as well as the partner schools. to learn to celebrate together SCHOOL? In one short our children growing up!” As summer you go from being An important aspect of this part of this celebration, the start of the new school year. the big P7 kids, the one’s project was the understanding young people involved in this There has been a great deal of who know it all, to having to that building relationships project have made a short learning by the schools and start all over again at the big between the local schools and film with their questions and families during the project. We school. It can be a traumatic parents would better support tips about moving to the big have also developed resources experience for both pupils and young people as they move school, which will be launched, for use by the schools. parents. That’s why we have into young adulthood. As one in early September at the joined together with Bushmills This project is part of the schools to support young wider Bushmills Education people in their journey from Project with the intention of Primary 7 right through to growing a wider approach to the end of Year 8. The project transitions from pre-school (funded by the Department upwards working with Sure of Education’s Community Start, primary schools, post- Education Initiatives primary and the Further Programme) includes a Education College. number of workshops in three primary schools and one post- primary school, engagement Karin Eyben with seven local families on Programme Development their experiences and support Worker, Corrymeela needs with regards the transition to big school and a
14 | CORRYMEELA As long as my bin Citizen Engagement Project in the gets lifted! Causeway Coast & Glens Council
Council area contributing The spaces for deliberative “WHO CARES?” to wider thinking around and inclusive conversations community planning. This and decision-making become project will also be working squeezed and ‘doing politics in partnership with the well’ becomes much more Democratic Society in challenging. Scotland and learning from “There’s other citizen engagement At Corrymeela we believe that too much approaches across UK, Ireland we can all learn to live well and wider afield. together and we are excited to apathy be part of this project. in this Community involvement in local government is becoming Karin Eyben world.” harder with the reduction of Programme Development public expenditure. Citizen Worker, Corrymeela engagement often swings from reaction and anger about closures and cuts, to apathy and cynicism when faced with their own MY HISTORY TEACHER and resources of citizens are powerlessness. had a cartoon above his the heart of decision making desk showing Charlie Brown both at local and central complaining to Snoopy – government. We have joined “There’s too much apathy in together with Ballymoney this world.” Snoopy lying on Community Resource Centre, top of his kennel replies, “ Who Charo Lanao-Madden, Beyond cares?” When it comes to local Skin and the Rural Community government many people Network. would probably agree with Snoopy. A few years ago during Thanks to an award of a discussion at the Rural £53,940 from the Community Network about Building Change local government reform we Trust we will be concluded that ultimately the working together to only thing many people are develop and trial a concerned about is that their number of creative bins get lifted on time! citizen engagement approaches across The “As Long As My Bins the new Causeway Get Lifted” project has Coast & Glens been developed in recognition of the ongoing challenges for voluntary, community and social economy organisations in ensuring that the voices, experiences
CORRYMEELA | 15 Corrymeela begins when you leave...
LISTENING. for regional peacebuilders four years, I left in, 2012 to activists who were former ACCOMPANIMENT. from Kabul to Manila. The deepen my understanding combatants from the days of TRANSFORMATION. Engaging Conflict Parties of peacebuilding with a the Khmer Rouge and that TRUSTBUILDING. team has just spent two focus on gender by doing my news feed now include RECONCILIATION. days traveling to the jungle my Master’s degree at updates on the Bangsamoro A typical day at the office in between Myanmar and the London School of Basic Law in the Philippines Siem Reap, Cambodia where Thailand to conduct a Economics. I graduated in and the status of a National our regional peacebuilding conflict transformation 2013, and moved to Sweden Cease Fire Agreement in organization The Centre workshop with an armed with my then fiancé and Myanmar. for Peace and Conflict group. Yet another team fellow Corrymeela volunteer Studies is based, echoes is offering a conflict Erik, thinking that we were It all happened in 45 minutes familiar themes from my transformation training to about to begin a new season over a conversation with the days in Northern Ireland. government officials across of life and work in sunny Centre’s incredible director, A colleague working as a Myanmar as they transition Stockholm. Instead, in 2014, Emma Leslie exactly peace historian has just from military dictatorship to less than a month after our one year ago. Our coffee returned from listening democracy… I could go on. wedding and with near conversation covered stories to stories of instrumental fluency in Swedish after of women leaders gliding individuals who shaped the Asia?! countless hours with my above the surface yet below architecture of Myanmar’s grammar books, I boarded peddling like mad. The peace process. Across from How did I end up in Asia? a plane to begin a dream handshake at the political me, other colleagues are Ten months in, I am still a job in Cambodia, a land level that is seen as betrayal designing curriculum for bit mystified to be part of where palm trees abound by the local constituency... our upcoming Master’s such dynamic and grounded and the Swedish language ‘Do you remember how degree in Applied Conflict work. Having worked and is irrelevant. I am still in they raped our women and Transformation that we run lived in Northern Ireland for awe that I work with peace destroyed our homes?’ The tireless brilliant civil society leader overwhelmed and feeling like an imposter. The invitation to be a keynote speaker at an international conference that was perceived by the woman as spam. These were the stories of the women who inspired this programme.
What was meant to be only a brief introductory meeting covered the essence of the transformative power of a gender lens for conflict transformation – embodiment, identity, power, gender as so much more than a narrow focus on women, leadership… I was on fire with inspiration. Half-
16 | CORRYMEELA Corrymeela begins when you leave...
way into the conversation, I was offered a job. I started the meeting sure that my work was in Sweden, yet by the time we said goodbye, I knew this was the work I was supposed to do. I recently asked Emma what inspired her to hire me. “The Corrymeela connection” she said. Decades ago, Emma had spent a weekend at Corrymeela and recalled the spirit of community she experienced there. Given that our meeting was last minute and entailed two missed trains, I seemed like someone who could roll with the level of change part and parcel to our field. The real stories I heard that day compelled me to The programme offers of the Transformative Peace interaction means that the say yes. It was a chance to a conversation beyond Leadership Programme is fierce advocates we serve build something new and gender, peace and security. the focus of who they are. can do the same when they powerful - take the wisdom These are the women at the return to their organizations of four years of facilitation, negotiating table and at the How Corrymeela and communities. I now and a Master’s in gender forefront of society as the began understand that trainings and systemic conflict conflicts transform. We offer when I left. are an excuse for a transformation studies to kick-ass professional skills Corrymeela and the transformative dialogue accompany and serve peace and, crucially, a space for community of practice space. Critically, I have practitioners on the front serious, and often near burn that has grown from it feels learned that although we line. It was too good to be out, practitioners to reflect part of my DNA. My time in are working for political true. in community. Through Northern Ireland has taught and structural change, supportive and in-depth me the power of being there is untapped power A Conversation experiential training, we entrusted. I have learned for transformation at the Beyond Women Peace work to connect pioneering the value of simply creating relational level. I try to bring and Security theory and practice to build and holding safe space, and Corrymeela’s attitude of The programme I am the capacity for analysis that the quality with which service to all I do, to cultivate running is called the and peace advocacy and it is held is paramount a culture where you don’t Transformative Peace uniquely a full day of one- to transformation. I have just make yourself a cup of Leadership Programme. on-one personal executive learned how to listen, and tea, but make a pot. For me, It is a long-term intense leadership coaching for that doing so tends to be it has made the world of leadership programme for the select group of peace the most powerful tool of difference. a select group of 14 highly leaders. What they represent our practice. I have learned influential women involved and what they do is that modelling a high Courtnae Dunn in peace processes in Asia. important, yet at the heart quality of presence in every
CORRYMEELA | 17 Violence hidden in plain sight
Corrymeela’s statement We are sad to be saying goodbye to Becky Dudley, David Tombs, Ben and Rachel as they of Commitment calls leave to start a new chapter in New Zealand. We asked Becky to reflect on some of the work us to work for a society she had done here over the last decade that whose priorities are, embodied that commitment. justice, mutual respect, the As we are about to leave the God’s will and not their fault. participation of all, concern country, after 13 years, and a member of Corrymeela for Gender-based violence for the vulnerable and the much of that time, it seems against women is recognised my vocation here has been in human rights terms as stranger, the stewardship about what you might call being an extreme form of ‘violence hidden in plain discrimination, a result of of resources and care for sight.’ A few examples to how societies construct share: and maintain power along creation. Over the next gendered lines. In other In 2002, my first job in words, ‘What happens to few magazines we will Northern Ireland was as the women in the home is a Human Rights and Equality reflection of her position be highlighting some of Worker at Women’s Aid in society.’[1] Most crimes Federation Northern Ireland. of gender based violence the work carried out by Colleagues soon discovered are directed against that I was a Presbyterian women and girls. But community members on a minister by background. Over gender based violence is time, some women who had directed against others daily basis. experienced abuse found me, perceived not to conform to speak to me, not as Human to social constructions of Rights and Equality Worker gender: men who are gay or but as a minister. I discovered perceived to be gay, people to my shame that in many who are transgender. My cases, they had been let down work and voluntary work by clergy they trusted, and over the last ten years has failed by their churches, both been about gender based Catholic and Protestant. I violence against women, first was humbled that they still on domestic violence, then wanted to talk to a member in trafficking, prostitution of clergy. I heard their stories, policy, and more recently told them the abuse they had how immigration rules violate experienced—verbal, physical, the right to life. In June 2004, sexual-- was wrong, it was not the police discovered the
18 | CORRYMEELA body of a Chinese woman to collect this evidence?’ The in Parliament. I am proud to about forms of violence that found in a bin liner at a petrol answer: ‘No one . . . You are.’ say that testimony started a we have normalised and station in the Antrim Road. And so in my spare time in process in Northern Ireland tolerated. I would like to No one could be found who the evenings and weekends that resulted in 2008 for suggest another very different knew her name. I was very over 8 weeks I collected Women’s Aid, to support example of violence hidden troubled by the case, but it the first evidence of human about fifty women a year in plain sight that we have wasn’t until the next year trafficking in Northern Ireland who have been victims of normalised and tolerated. in 2005, when Westminster and presented it to Women’s trafficking. sent out a call for evidence Aid, Amnesty and the Human I spent five years until on human trafficking in the Rights Commission. Shortly If we listen to women recently as the Human Rights UK, that I found out more. I after, I was invited to give experiencing violence and Training Advisor to the asked around: ‘Who is going testimony about the research abuse, it raises questions Police Service of Northern
CORRYMEELA | 19 Ireland, a job that was set and delays, at the political When I look at the Statement Women’s Aid discovered up in the peace process. level to address differences of Commitment, I also when they built refuges from I delivered training and among us. notice what it doesn’t say. It domestic abuse, that it was observed training to try to doesn’t say we are happy to not enough to challenge assist police and staff to On a personal level, I have bump along in a stalemate gender based violence in uphold and defend human never taken a position on the where violence against isolation. Refuges have to rights in doing their duties, constitutional question of large sections of society has be spaces where abuse in and to respect human rights whether Northern Ireland is been normalised, where all its forms was challenged. when using their powers. part of the Republic or part of abusive discrimination and This is true as well for the Human rights based policing the UK. They are both foreign inequality are still tolerated, peacebuilding we hope will is crucial for peacebuilding. countries to me. Rather I as long as we personally are characterise this society as a The context in which they take the (neutral, possibly doing ok, where strangers whole. Abuse and violence in police also includes violent even banal) position that to our society are left to die all its forms makes our society public disorder targeted the process should reflect friendless and alone whether weaker and democracy at them specifically, and human rights and equality on the high seas or behind and peace further off. Our threats from anti-democratic standards, be peaceful and closed doors in our cities and peacebuilding work has to armed groups who have democratic. Inoffensive towns; where we succumb to address the reasons for the been opposed to the peace perhaps, nonetheless, during despair as we let the planet violence and abuse behind process. Police are regularly my time with the police, I die around us. It says we closed doors, as well as the at the front lines paying have been warned to check commit ourselves to work for violence in the public squares. the price, in injury, and for bombs under my car, and a society whose priorities are They are both places where sometimes death, of violence the dangers of sniper fire, or justice, mutual respect, the violence can be hidden that the society has come to mortar attacks. This violence participation of all, concern in plain sight. Godspeed, tolerate and normalise. It and threat of violence, for the vulnerable and the Corrymeela in the next seems to me that society continuing daily to many stranger, the stewardship chapter of your work. has come to tolerate this members of our society, and of resources and care for violence, in plain sight, one to their children, is neither creation. Becky Dudley of the many costs of failures tolerable or ‘normal.’
20 | CORRYMEELA This is a trailer for the new film,Waiting & Silence, created by community member and former Corrymeela Centre Director, Paul Hutchinson.
Waiting This twenty-eight minute documentary, (which is narrated by Pádraig) explores a Quaker Meeting in Coleraine, during an act of Worship. Using this specific context, the film goes on to ask more universal questions about the role and function of silence and contemplation in our society. & Silence Intimate and reflective, the film offers a quiet counterpoint to a loud, furious-paced, aggressive and over-consuming Strong red fills the screen. culture. There are white scratches on the red, random, from wear and tear, not malice. There are no fight sequences. White words slowly appear against the red. There are no fast or furious chases. There are no nude scenes, although people at times appear Waiting & Silence. ‘exposed’.
a Paul Hutchinson film Its not Game of Thrones.
The scene cuts to an empty room The film has three main purposes: with plain brown chairs around three edges. To create a document for Quakers to consider and reflect on their own practice of Christian contemplation; A familiar voice To offer a small window for those curious outsiders who are interrupts the empty space. interested in learning more about the Quaker Tradition; It is Pádraig Ó Tuama, Community Leader of Corrymeela. To encourage people from all traditions to consider what His tone is light and warm. happens when we slow down. He speaks slowly, carefully,almost quizzically. He says: Paul is keen for as many people as possible to see the film, and to explore how it can be used to encourage What happens contemplative practices. when humans decide For further information on how to purchase a copy, to stop, arrange a viewing or organise a workshop, contact Paul at to sit still, [email protected] to be quiet, or go to www.facebook.com/waitingandsilence to wait together in a wooden-floored room? Copies of the film are also available in the shop at the Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle. He takes his time with each phrase, inviting us to settle and consider his gently-spoken, difficult questions. Spread the silence…
[The trailer is also available to view on the Corrymeela website]
CORRYMEELA | 21 the president the& poetthe peacemaker He has been described as perhaps the greatest living lyrical poet in the English language, and we are honoured by his presence at our gala reception in Belfast City Hall in October. Pádraig Ó Tuama looks at his life and literary career.
MICHAEL LONGLEY WAS nature. The poem begins listed, but recited “for you”. It responded to the Troubles, BORN IN BELFAST in 1939 with a litany of the flavours of is a thing that a parent does – he said: “We did not want to and educated at the Royal ice cream at the shop on the when faced with a child who be intrusive or impertinent. Belfast Academical Institution Lisburn Road. His daughter is facing the cruelty of the We did not want to hitch a before reading Classics at had bought carnations to world, the parent responds ride on yesterday’s headlines Trinity College, Dublin, where lay in front of the shop and with something to nurture – to write the poetry of the he edited Icarus, a student then he ends the short poem the imagination, something to latest atrocity. We preferred literary magazine. Michael with another litany – of wild feed the heart. an oblique approach. It Longley held the cross-border flowers in the Burren. It is a was especially important to academic role of Professor of poem of exquisite simplicity, Longley’s art as a poet — his remember the victims. My Poetry for Ireland from 2007 evoking taste, scent and practice of approaching a poems about the Troubles are to 2010. landscape, with the short terrible topic through an elegies mostly. Their drift is narrative of a girl’s gesture in elegant sideways glance — is remembrance.” In 2012, Corrymeela was the face of a shocking grief. seen in this poem. When privileged to host a visiting The wild flowers are not just writing about how poets When he recited this poem group of US Academics for at Corrymeela, he mentioned the Lilly Fellows programme that in subsequent years he’s in Humanities and the Arts. met individuals who also As part of this, Michael knew the Ice-cream man. Longley came to the centre at The Dublin poet Elizabeth Ballycastle to give a reading. Bowen said that “to turn from He arrived early, sat with the everything to one face is to group, engaging with many find oneself face to face with and pleasant to all. Perhaps everything”, and in turning because of the nature of the to the face, story and flavours setting or his knowledge of the Ice-cream man on of the endeavours of the Lisburn Road, we find Corrymeela, he chose poems ourselves faced with grief, loss that spoke to the heart of and gesture. humanity, especially the kind of humanity one discovers in In an interview with times of trouble. Culture Northern Ireland (culturenorthernireland. He wrote the poem “The org) Longley spoke about Ice-cream Man” (printed on the Troubles: “Though the pg 2) for his daughter in the poet’s first duty must be wake of the death of a man to his imagination, he has whose shop they visited other obligations—and not regularly. It characterizes his just as a citizen. He would be style that takes so much from inhuman if he did not respond
22 | CORRYMEELA to tragic events in his own before Achilles, begging for Michael Longley is known poet in our evening “The community, and a poor artist the return of the body of his as a man of humour and Poet, The Peacemaker and the if he did not seek to endorse beloved son Hector, killed self-deprecating anecdote. President” in Belfast City Hall that response imaginatively.” during the Trojan Wars. He sees poetry as something on October 30th, 2015. More The Ice-cream man is one There is so much present he practices, not a static title. details on www.corrymeela. such poem that responds to in this poem: bereavement; “When someone begins a org/events grief with spaciousness, and the honouring of a body; the sentence, 'As a poet I...' you evokes the spaciousness of a pain of making a request of can rest assured that person Sources: life cut short. In 2015, Longley someone who is considered is in no way a poet. You can’t culturenorthernireland.org won the Griffin Prize and the an enemy; the power of myth call yourself a poet. That’s like news.bbc.co.uk judges noted “the light touch to tell the truth of the present; calling yourself a saint.” His president.ie he brings to serious subjects, and the complicated truth that character, and poetry, has “The Ice-cream Man” and as if sentences were his way of sometimes, war-death can put its feet on the ground, and “Ceasefire” can be found in breathing.” our politics into perspective. he speaks most elegantly “Collected Poems” published by about the quality of love. Jonathan Cape (2007) Michael Longley is known In March 2015, he was Commenting on his long for having published honoured with the Freedom marriage to Edna Longley, Among his many works are ‘Ceasefire’ shortly after the of the City of Belfast. Irish herself also a poet and critic, Gorse Fires (1991), which won declaration of the ceasefire President Michael D. Higgins he says: the Whitbread Poetry Prize, ‘The in Northern Ireland. He had spoke of him as a remarkable Weather in Japan’ (2000) which studied Classics at Trinity man whose “poems speak for “Listening and conversation. won both the T.S. Eliot Prize and in this poem, we see him themselves - eloquent, precise Intelligence listens. Love sets and the Hawthornden Prize. His collection ‘The Stairwell’ (2014) reach into the repertoire of and passionate, large-hearted, free. If you hang in there, it gets won the prestigious International mythology - The Iliad - to intelligent and above all better and better.” Griffin Poetry Prize in 2015. ‘Sea speak about the painful humane.” Asters’ is published in 2015. moment of reconciliation. Corrymeela is honoured to In his sonnet, King Priam is have Michael Longley as the
CORRYMEELA | 23 Common Grounds
YOU DON’T NEED TO wisdom, but someone who SPEND a great deal of had time for them. time with me before the conversation turns to coffee. Coffee became a way of Some might call me obsessive, practicing my values and but I prefer passionate, or spirituality. better still ‘caffeinated’.
It all began when I was a Coffee is about pastor and university chaplain looking to build relationships slowing down with faculty and students. I left the safety of my office and The poet Mary Oliver entered what would be called speaks of ‘slowing down for in my reports to the Vice- happiness’ and I think she’s on Chancellor ‘third spaces’, or, to something. A good cup of between you and me, ‘coffee coffee takes around 5 minutes shops’. to prepare. It is a ritual that demands attention. From In these spaces I developed weighing the beans through Ellis Barnsley our new hospitality several long-lasting to pouring into the cup, and friendships, the desire to then up to another 5 minutes guru has transformed the coffee experience the perfect cup before the coffee cools and experience at Corrymeela. If you of coffee, and the knowledge the flavours can be properly people wanted not my enjoyed. spend long enough at the centre and endless wealth of spiritual express a liking for a good cup of coffee, it’s not long before he appears with a box of tricks. He makes coffee like it’s a sacrament and a gateway to what really matters. We asked him to explain his passion for caffeine.
24 | CORRYMEELA I prefer to make coffee growing for them. Hopefully, if you get the Ellis Barnsley with the person(s) I’m chance to visit Corrymeela Hospitality Support Worker, meeting. It allows us space Rev. Richard Tucker we’ll make some coffee and I’ll Corrymeela to transition from doing to says: “Peace as a value have the privilege of hearing being. Coffee is theatrical: underlying fair trade should your story too. a strange jug (decanter), a be understood in the long goose-necked pouring comprehensive meaning spout with water carving at evoked in the... word shalom: the wet grounds in spirals or peace as fair economic concentric circles. It becomes competition, i.e. economic a mesmerising dance. activity based on equal opportunity; peace as the just distribution of natural Coffee is about resources; and peace as social equality or partnership. The people other values are solidarity, dignity, partnership, trust, Like most things we buy there power/responsibility, is a financial cost and a people forgiveness and honesty.” cost.
I can recall sitting with Lord Coffee is about Bilston (who preferred to be called Dennis) in connection Wolverhampton Council’s Fairtrade steering group The coffee is made and then listening to a coffee producer we get to sit and share our speak of the difference a fair stories. It still amazes me how price for bag of green coffee disarming a hot mug of coffee made to their lives. It allowed or tea can be. For many it them to build schools and transforms from beverage to better ‘roads’. Until then safety blanket. We don’t even Fairtrade had merely been a need to talk! But when we do label that indicated something reaching for the mug allows was over-priced. us to feel a little less awkward.
Growing, picking, washing, I’m sure we have all heard and turning coffee cherries is so many stories over coffee: all done by hand. Paying a fair stories of heartbreak, the price is the least we can do mundane and joy. Moments to ensure the farmers are not where we can make sense taken advantage of and that of our own stories and coffee continues to be worth connections with each other’s.
CORRYMEELA | 25 Lenten Pilgrimage of Prayer for Peace first walk began with rain but as one member describes it after the rain the talking, laughing, making new friends, taking photos, occasional falling, praying, as we crossed fords and streams, over granite rocks and stones, made crosses under the pine forest, and all the while breathing in the scenery of the Mountains of Mourne.
Other highlights of the walks included has seen more than its share of violence. FOR MILLENNIA CHRISTIANS HAVE an ecumenical trip to the ecclesiastical The Dean of St Columb’s cathedral BEEN GOING ON PILGRIMAGES capital of Ireland where our pilgrims welcomed the thirty strong group of and it seemed fitting to begin our 50th walked between the two cathedrals pilgrims by playing the Londonderry Air anniversary year not with a fundraiser, and received the blessings of both on the organ and at all 4 churches we but with a journey of prayer. For six the Catholic and Anglican Primates of visited there was a great welcome for weeks in February and March groups Ireland. the message of reconciliation. In Belfast of various sizes could be seen walking we had the chance to meet up with through mountains, forests, bogs and In Omagh we met with Victims friends from the Focolare and L’Arche even city streets in every county of campaigner Michael Gallagher and there communities who have been supporters Northern Ireland. The journey began in was a poignant visit to the Memorial of our work for many years. the Mountains of Mourne and ended in Garden. the lowlands of Fermanagh. In between Through all the walks we were so there were visits to Armagh, Derry/ We were also greatly encouraged by our thankful for the warmth and hospitality Londonderry, Omagh and Belfast. The walk in Derry/Londonderry – a city that of the welcome we received from churches and supporters of all denominations. There were many moments of quiet kindness and support exemplified by the pensioner in Fermanagh who quietly slipped twenty pounds into my hand as a donation towards the work of Corrymeela. Thanks to all who journeyed with us not only on the walks but also throughout the last 50 years and who continue to support us into the future.
Eleanor Duff Joyce Williams Lisa Bullick Yvonne Naylor Richard Naylor
26 | CORRYMEELA CORRYMEELA NEWS
Come and join us for a Slowing Down to meet yourself – REST Storytelling Event Tuesday 13th October, Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle – celebrating 50 years of Corrymeela Spirituality and psychology are woven together in this day of gently guided prayer and reflection. Monday 14th September, 2015 @ 7pm Rev Alan Lorimer, a Methodist minister, is a Counselling Psychologist and Therapist, he facilitates training in Centering Prayer. in the Agape Centre, Lisburn Road, Belfast Mrs Breige O’Hare is an Ignatian Spiritual Director, facilitator and £10.00 includes light supper (pay at the door) author of ”The Nearness of God’s Love and Longing”. Alan and Breige founded well.com, the Christian Centre for An evening of Storytelling, hearing stories of lives psychological and spiritual well-being in North Belfast. that have been shaped and changed through being involved with Corrymeela. All funds raised To book your place, please contact our Belfast Office, [email protected] or call 028 9050 8080 will support Corrymeela. or check our website www.corrymeela.org
Say Hello to our new One Year Volunteers
Annalena Zunftmeister (Germany) Kazibwe Nelson (Uganda)
Kyle Vandenbroucke (USA) Mehak Ameer (Pakistan) Melissa McFarlane (Scotland)
CORRYMEELA | 27 CORRYMEELA NEWS
Corrymeela logo.
Other anniversary items include a replica of the Dresden candlestick of Reconciliation which has been hand forged by Brian Trainer, a local blacksmith. The Dresden Candlestick was presented to Corrymeela in 1981 by the Young People of Magdeburg, East Germany to honour Corrymeela’s founder Rev Ray Davey WWII POW and Army chaplain during the allied bombings of Dresden. The original Dresden Candlestick can be seen in the Croí at Corrymeela alongside the Turf Cross and visitors can purchase replicas in the shop.
T-shirts are proving a great sell as are books by Corrymeela Leader, Pádraig Ó Tuama and past Leaders like The Shop of Tara Ray Davey and David Stevens. Marie-Louise McClarey, fundraiser for Corrymeela JUST IN TIME FOR OUR seating area for meetings All shop sales are supporting has been co-ordinating the 50TH ANNIVERSARY, we or reading or chilling out Corrymeela’s charity work change and wishes to extend have relocated the gift shop and soon there will also be a and charity work in other a huge thank you to all who from reception to Tara. The selection of refreshments with areas such as Kenya. were involved in the change. shop had its first test run at speciality breads and scones ‘The Gathering’ and it quickly from our country kitchen. The 50th anniversary range The shop is open lunchtimes established itself as a place to The sofas are made from includes Commemorative from 1.30-2.30 and on request relax, have a chat and peruse recycled wooden palettes Pottery with each item for visiting group. It will be the exclusive range of new and the whole shop has a individually crafted on open from 10am-8pm during merchandise. Within the new contemporary modern feel the potter’s wheel and the Aperture Festival. look Tara there is a beautiful to it. uniquely finished with the
28 | CORRYMEELA CORRYMEELA NEWS
Congratulations to Sean and Sharon
Think Global – Eat Local!
The other day at lunch I added the obligatory serving of salad onto my plate without really thinking about it. Then I took a bite and it was some of the freshest and most flavoursome greens I have ever had. The rocket in particular had a very peppery kick to it. Those greens had travelled the 200 yards between our new polytunnel and the Corrymeela kitchen.
The polytunnel was funded by ‘The Heart of the Glens Partnership” which helps local groups engage with land and heritage in our council area. As well as helping us keep our commitment to sustainability it will be a space to work with Corrymeela sends warmest congratulations to Staff groups – particularly local school children. In our next magazine Member Sean Pettis and his beautiful bride Sharon on we will feature the work fully. But in the meantime if you are up their marriage in July. at the centre – enjoy the fresh food! Clergy Retreat SAD NEWS Gifts in Memoriam John Mowat 11 - 13 Nov 2015 at Corrymeela Ballycastle Jean Wyatt Take some time for prayer, retreat and reflection on the beautiful North Antrim Coast. £40, all inclusive, full board ensuite. Subsidised by Corrymeela and NIAMH.
To book please download a booking form from our website www.corrymeela.org/events or call our Belfast Office on 028 9050 8080.
CORRYMEELA | 29 Events Roundup
THERE HAVE BEEN SO bungee jumps and marathons. But the highlight of the year is our anniversary weekend. MANY WONDERFUL All the events are raising EVENTS as part of our 50th money to help us continue the year that we can barely work started 50 years ago by do justice to them. Over a small group of visionaries. the summer we have been And there is more to come. blessed with music. Firstly Friday 30th October by the amazing Cappella 7:30pm Belfast City Hall Caecilliana who filled St Monday 14th September Patrick’s church in Coleraine 7:00pm The Poet, The Peacemaker and The President with Mediaeval liturgy of with Michael Longley, Kathleen Kuehnast and Mary Robinson Agape Centre, Lisburn Road, rare beauty. Not long after This will be a wonderful celebration with contributions from Belfast hundreds came to Clonard Pádraig, stories of Corrymeela and some wonderful Monastery in Belfast to hear The Ormeau Cell group will be traditional music. Voice’s Together and the curating a Storytelling Event. music of peacemaking. It was Come hear stories of lives that Saturday 31st October a moving and powerful mix have been shaped and changed 1:00pm-6:00pm. Ballycastle Centre of music from the choir and by Corrymeela over the last 50 50 Years, 50 Stories poetry from Pádraig. The years. A space for reflection, thanksgiving, celebration and Aperture festival catered for contemplation. There will be stories, cups of tea and two points everyone’s musical tastes of gathering in the Croí during the day. with everything from Duke Also in September we will be Special to The Sands family! hosting the Oikosnet Annual Sunday 1st November Not to mention the talks, European Conference and in 3:00pm. St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast musicians, films, acrobats, October we will be running An Ecumenical Service giving thanks writers, theologians, artisan our International Autumn food, bonfires, workshops and School. The theme this year for the last 50 years some very fine coffee! is Living and Learning Well The service will be led by Community Leader Pádraig Ó Tuama with Together. contributions from Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin and We’ve had barbeques and a sermon from the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
30 | CORRYMEELA A Centre for A Public Theology? Prayer
‘PUBLIC THEOLOGY’ is a new term for an old understanding: Public Theology outlines that the way we believe affects how we act. It draws lines for of connection between belief and action and proposes that the way we act often tells a deeper truth about our beliefs than the words we use to speak about those beliefs. Actions speak louder than words. public
This kind of theological approach asks questions to which it knows it doesn’t know the answer, learns from stories, and is focused on the tangible. It asks questions that seek to make the comfortable uncomfortable. It’s a theology faith for those who have been disaffected or excluded. So, while “practical theology” is a new term, it’s not a new concept – it’s as old as the prophets, God of life it’s as old as Jesus, it’s as old as any wisdom that says “yeah, but what does We live and move through our this really mean?” world. We encounter love and lament. Corrymeela is built on this approach – even though it’s been called different We encounter power and privilege. things at different times. I am interested in Corrymeela being clearer about We encounter witness and our being a centre of public theology. We regularly encounter stories that weariness. are vital for the life of faith in Ireland- stories of inclusion, exclusion, of May we act in this life in ways that protest, of support. bless love not burden it. In our next magazine we will be sharing some very exciting news with We ask this because we know that you as we launch a renewed focus on Faith and Public Theology – with words can be weak opportunities to bring community members, friends, staff, volunteers and if they are not accompanied by collaborators from other organisations and communities across Britain and work. Ireland together. We will keep you updated. But in the meantime, we are Work in us as we work. always glad for your prayers, your questions to and of us, and your support. Work through us. Work the work of glory in us – Pádraig Ó Tuama Humanity fully alive. Leader, Corrymeela Community Amen.
CORRYMEELA | 31 Corrymeela 50th Anniversary Weekend A time of Thanksgiving and Celebration
Friday 30th October 7:30pm The Poet, The Peacemaker and The President Celebrating 50 years of Peacemaking with Michael Longley, Kathleen Kuehnast and former Irish President Mary Robinson Belfast City Hall
Saturday 31st October. 1:00pm-6:00pm 50 Years, 50 Stories Reflection, Storytelling and Celebration Ballycastle Centre
Sunday 1st November 3:00pm Corrymeela 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service Led by Pádraig Ó Tuama and guest speaker The Archbishop of Canterbury St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast
Corrymeela acknowledges the support of the following: