May 24, 2007

Northern Ireland Update

On Tuesday, May 8, Northern Ireland entered into a new era of devolved government with an historic power-sharing arrangement. The Rev. Dr. Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, was sworn in as First Minister, and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein as Deputy First Minister. Together they head a cross-community Executive with four ministers from the DUP, three from Sinn Fein, two from the Ulster Unionist Party, one Social Democratic, and one Labour Party minister. Through structures carefully arranged to insure checks and balances and requiring both unionist and nationalist support for forward movement, this new Executive returns power held for years by “Direct Rule” ministers appointed by the United Kingdom Parliament in Westminster to politicians elected by and accountable to the Northern Ireland voters

Speaking at a ceremony attended by representatives of the British and Irish governments, U.S. and international delegations, local politicians and civic leaders, Ian Paisley and Martin McGuiness promised to put hate in the past and formally pledged to lead the “power-sharing” government in a “new beginning” for Northern Ireland. 

Although there was no dramatic handshake between the First and Deputy First ministers, the words, tone, and the overall body language all gave real hope to a real corner having been turned and a much more positive period of cooperation ahead.

The four main church leaders in Ireland have expressed appreciation of all the politicians who, they say, have taken courageous step towards creating a society of stability and peace. The statement was signed by Presbyterian Church in Ireland moderator, the Rt. Rev. Dr. David Clarke; Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Alan Harper; Roman Catholic Primate, the Rev. Dr. Sean Brady; and Methodist Church in Ireland President, the Rev. Ivan McElhinney. They said, “We recognise that much work still remains if all people in Northern Ireland are to share the future together. We are especially aware of those for whom the pain of the past is a constant living reality. As church leaders we invite Christian people to give thanks to God for all that has been accomplished and to pray for guidance and courage might be given to those who lead out community in the days ahead.”

The church leaders and designated groups from their respective denominations have all been involved in more concentrated discussions with local politicians over recent months in the run up to the deal being made and the establishment of the devolved administration.

The day after the new ministers took office at Stormont, First Minister Ian Paisley visited the site of the Battle of they Boyne (1690 victory of Protestant King William over Catholic King James) in the present Republic of Ireland with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Again the words and body language were encouraging.

In many ways what has taken place in recent weeks is a real answer to prayers that have been said in and for Northern Ireland over many years.  But please don’t stop praying! The journey to real peace—sustainable reconciliation—will still be a long journey and all those involved need your support and God’s.

Doug Baker

The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 172