Northern Ireland takes steps again to break the divide
Next step taken in Northern Ireland.
Today a new power sharing Northern Ireland Assembly convenes. Since 2002, when a previous assembly had power, the British government appointed a secretary, Peter Hain, to administrate Northern Ireland affairs. It appears that old rivals may have "buried the hatchet" as one account says. In March the 2 icons of opposing sides of the struggle in the North, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams sat down and worked out a deal to share governing power between Protestants and Catholics. That was amazing considering the history of antagonism from both sides.
Questions linger. Will it work? Will it be fair and democratic? Has reconciliation really started in earnest? Will Northern Ireland soccer team qualify for the European Cup? [Hopefully for that last one, the North will secure their spot in the finals this fall]
The situation in Northern Ireland is much more complicated than merely Catholics and Protestants. History plays a big part. Injustices of the past have festered into pride and bitterness fueling tensions. Social and economic issues also play a part. Plus there are some who people fall into neither camp.
One of my prayers for the North is that God will raise up peacemakers who can break dividing walls without breaking people. Send the peacemakers.
Today a new power sharing Northern Ireland Assembly convenes. Since 2002, when a previous assembly had power, the British government appointed a secretary, Peter Hain, to administrate Northern Ireland affairs. It appears that old rivals may have "buried the hatchet" as one account says. In March the 2 icons of opposing sides of the struggle in the North, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams sat down and worked out a deal to share governing power between Protestants and Catholics. That was amazing considering the history of antagonism from both sides.
Questions linger. Will it work? Will it be fair and democratic? Has reconciliation really started in earnest? Will Northern Ireland soccer team qualify for the European Cup? [Hopefully for that last one, the North will secure their spot in the finals this fall]
The situation in Northern Ireland is much more complicated than merely Catholics and Protestants. History plays a big part. Injustices of the past have festered into pride and bitterness fueling tensions. Social and economic issues also play a part. Plus there are some who people fall into neither camp.
One of my prayers for the North is that God will raise up peacemakers who can break dividing walls without breaking people. Send the peacemakers.
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