washington trip; day three

             We spent this morning at the American University here in Washington, meeting with some academics in the Peacebuilding and Development Institute and in the School of International Service and International Peace and Conflict Resolution.  Bit of a mouthful but ostensibly these schools seek to provide research, training and capacity building exercises and events for those working away in their communities, often without thinking or reflecting too much on what they actually do. These scholars wanted us to think about community development, advocacy and conflict resolution.

       Must confess I wasn’t sure going into this meeting about whether it would be a helpful conversation or not but there were a number of things that really struck me as good to take away for further reflection and action. One of the things was that scholars and practitioners do need each other in this work of community activity. Scholars need to see ideas tried out while practitioners need to reflect and write up what they do so that others might learn and grow. The importance of hearing the journeys and stories of others is so important if lasting peace and united communities are to be formed.

       I was very challenged to think about what it means for a church community to build peace, say in my situation in Ballynahinch? To seek to listen to divided people, to grapple with sectarian issues, to bring people together to talk and listen to one another.  Not even sure that I would know how to go about doing it or whether I am even up to it but should it not be part of the calling of the people of God to make peace among neighbours?   Today really made me think a lot about my own story, my upbringing, my prejudices; I told some of my story to the group and how I felt the conflict in NI had impacted my life. Probably more than I thought.  And am I doing anything now to build peace in my country? We as a church are doing brilliant work in our community, is there more we could do to be peacemakers?

      Was really interested in the pretty constant mention of understanding and engaging with people of other faiths and the need to dialogue with them. Have never really thought about that at all and want to think some more. Reality is that other faiths are going to be increasingly part of our lives. The scholars we met with today were encouraging dialogue and learning through listening. Lot to chew over.

     That theme continued as we met the International Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity this afternoon , Tom Jones. Habitat is also seeking to engage with the other monotheistic faiths in building houses and encouraging understanding in the process. All three religions share in common a call not to neglect the poor . In talking about NI, Tom said we were a place that needed the process rather than the product when it came to building houses. I knew what he meant, it was the working together that mattered. The “theology of the hammer” he called it. Its giving people a hand up not a hand out. The church has a missional calling, to serve others sacrificially and to both tell and show the gospel of Christ to the world.

     Such a lot to think about today, my head is buzzing with the implications of all of this. The journey continues.

 

Gordon  McDade