Church and Society Commission02 Dec 24

A contribution to healing the pain of the Troubles

by Zephryn Patton

The memory of the Troubles is a present–day reality for many members of the Church of Ireland, often acutely felt even decades after the loss of loved ones. Over the last year, the Church and Society Commission has been carefully considering how we can together best respond to meet their needs.

As many readers will recall, a resolution proposed by the Revd Raymond Kettyle and seconded by the Revd James Boyd at the 2023 General Synod requested that the Commission explore, and if necessary recommend and/or draft resources which will enable parishes to engage pastorally with, and care for, individuals and communities still deeply affected by trauma from the Troubles. 

Initially, we invited the proposer and seconder to the early meetings to give them an opportunity to outline their hopes for progress on the resolution and provide us with some guidance and direction.  We also invited Cate Turner from Healing through Remembering, the Revd Shona Bell from the Corrymeela Community, and Canon Alan Irwin to share their perspectives on the issues raised.  At Canon Irwin’s suggestion, the group took a bus tour in border areas organised by the South East Fermanagh Foundation where we heard stories from persons who had experienced loss and who felt marginalised and ignored in current attempts to find reconciliation.

The message we heard was clear.  There needed to be a co–ordinated approach by the Church to acknowledge the hurt and pain of the past and the difficulties achieving or grasping forgiveness. That extended to victims of the past who felt that their stories needed to be heard, and their pain recognised, in order to help them start their steps to healing.

We have therefore come to the conclusion that a three–pronged approach is required.

Firstly, a liturgical response through a service and set of prayers, and potentially endorsing existing initiatives such as the annual service of reconciliation that takes place in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Secondly, some form of education for clergy whether generally or in training for ordination to help address the needs of parishioners who are suffering from trauma.

Thirdly, a leaflet signposting victims in some meaningful way to existing organisations who are well versed in dealing with trauma and can provide meaningful assistance.

We are currently expanding on this approach with a view to making a presentation and a launch of these resources at General Synod 2025, put together with the assistance of the Liturgical Advisory Committee and professionals with an expertise in this area.

Through the resolution, the Church has been presented with a vehicle to help promote the message of reconciliation, which is even more challenging when we seek peace and healing after deep divisions have emerged.

Reconciliation is central to the Church’s role and the teachings of Christ emphasise forgiveness as a critical part of our faith.  Forgiveness is, in itself, a difficult process, but one which offers the hope that bridges can be built – or rebuilt – between those who take that journey.

The resolution is likewise a good basis from which to advocate for justice and address what some feel is an injustice that might otherwise remain unresolved.  We as a Commission want to listen to victims, in their hurt and pain, to help to create a safe space for dialogue about these issues.

In short, this involvement in community reconciliation aligns with our mission as a Church to promote love, justice, and healing, making it a powerful catalyst for fostering lasting peace and harmony in communities.

The members of the working group are Zephryn Patton, Neville Armstrong, Jane Burns, June Butler, and Ken Gibson.  If you have any queries, please contact the Church and Society Commission’s secretary, Stuart Wilson, at [email protected]