FaithInvest founding president Martin Palmer spent an 'intense' few days in Northern Ireland last week at a series of events focused on peace, justice and environmental stewardship – and came away full of stories of hope.
'I was so encouraged and so impressed by what I heard – from everyone but particularly from the session when around 60 sixth formers came together to talk to a group of politicians,' he said.
'These extraordinary young people were excited about the possibilities and challenges they face. They were realistic about climate change and deeply concerned about the loss of nature – but they also had an inherent sense that these challenges could be confronted with hope and expectation.'
The heirs of hope
That sense of hope is no accident, said Martin. 'What I hadn't appreciated until this visit, meeting many different groups, is that here are communities that 30 years ago were full of gloom – everything was getting worse, everything seemed unsolvable,' he said. Martin is referring to the period of violent sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles, which lasted from about 1968 to 1998.
'And yet, through their faith and sheer determination, small communities built beacons of hope that have developed into opportunities. These young people are the heirs of hope, as were so many of the people I met – and I was particularly struck by the role of the laity here which was so impressive,' he said.
Scenes from the Good Relations Week events
Peace, justice & care for the earth
The events that took Martin to Northern Ireland were part of the nation's Good Relations Week, celebrated alongside the International Day of Peace and the Season of Creation. They were organised by Corrymeela, Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation, and the 'Join the Dots Together’ network, founded last year to connect people, communities and actions to create a sustainable future for all.
The events started with a conference on Peace, Justice and Care for the Earth at Corrymeela in Ballycastle on Thursday September 19, which explored the urgent need for action to protect the environment and foster a more just and peaceful society. Speakers included freshwater ecologist Rick Battarbee, John Barry, Professor of Green Political Economy at Queen's University, and Martin Palmer.
This was followed on Friday 20 by the youth and politicians forum that impressed Martin so much. Entitled Our Voices Matter, at Queen's University Belfast, it was attended by a cross section of secondary school pupils.
That evening, the Land and Lough forum brought Martin and John McLenaghan of the Ulster Farmers’ Union into a fascinating exchange on the relationship between agriculture, land use, faith and environmental sustainability.
The event was facilitated by BBC agricultural and environmental correspondent Louise Cullen, pictured right with Martin and John.
On Saturday 21, a multi-faith conference entitled Faiths Together for Climate Justice and Peace brought religious leaders and activists together to how different communities can work together on climate action.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, who attended the event, commented 'Earlier this week, new research undertaken by Belfast City Council highlighted how desegregation and continued work to develop community relations is vital to tacking climate change and achieving our ambition for Belfast to be net zero by 2050.
'The conversations today are key in identifying and breaking down barriers to opportunities and finding solutions to ensure the impacts of climate change on everyone are recognised and addressed.'
There’s no going back
The events ended in 'A Celebration of Difference' (Corrymeela's annual marking of International Day of Peace) at St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, on the evening of Saturday 21, showcasing the beauty of diversity in Northern Ireland’s religious and cultural landscape.
These events underscored the vital connection between peace, justice, and environmental care, calling for united efforts to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world, said a representative of 'Join the Dots Together'.
Juanita Majury added: “These days have been the fulfilment of a year’s work which has seen the development of inter-religious friendships and a new awakening of the common call to care for creation. There’s no going back. Faiths must stand together and make the connection between their beliefs and lifestyle visible.'