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FERNS DIOCESAN SYNOD
Extracts from Presidential Address by Bishop John Neill, Bishop of Cashel and Ossory
In Ireland we are always in the business of handling the past, because in a strange way it remains for us so much of the present. There are those who would be quick to condemn us for that, but it is natural given our strong sense of identity, our chequered history, and the way in which this Republic has emerged and developed in the course of a few short generations. The key question is not whether the past affects us, the key question is how we handle that past history. It is but two years since our attention was strongly focused once again on the Great Irish Famine. That memory was handled in many parts of this land with great sensitivity. an awareness of wrongs done and hurts received, an attempt to get behind popular mythology, and to move towards healing and reconciliation in the present. The unmentionable could be mentioned, the old story told again, and set in the context of forgiveness as well as of fresh insight. We cannot ignore the past if we are to be set free from its shackles, and live together into the future. This confrontation of the past can only be undertaken when there is a real measure of trust within the community an a whole.
As we approach 1998, and the bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion, I am certain that this same spirit is about, that we are entering again Into a story that on one hand has a potential for uniting us, and yet on the other has sometimes divided. The diocese of Fems will of course be at the centre of much of this "remembering". And a positive attitude to the celebrations has already been apparent. It is important to realise that there is nothing to fear about confronting memory, when it is undertaken in a context of trust and indeed of reconciliation, understanding and peace. It is important that all sections of the community are involved, and that those committed to reconciliation and peace are to the fore. In this way the sense of trust is nurtured.
This has a bearing on where we are in Ireland today. These coming months are going to be vital within this Island as a whole as groundwork is laid for the political future of Northern Ireland. The trust of which we have spoken will take some time to develop in this wider context. What is done locally in any parish in any part of this island which helps trust to develop across old divisions can contribute to an atmosphere of trust throughout the island. There is patience required to move from a position of confrontation. to the position of trust In which old hurts and other divisive issues can really be addressed. At this stage, it is prayer for the peoples of Northern Ireland and for all involved in the talks that is required, more than comment on the process itself. I urge that In every parish such prayers continue to be offered. It is the Holy Spirit of God that can open our hearts to one another in love, and an essential part of love is trust.
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