New leader for Corrymeela Community
The Corrymeela Community has appointed a new Leader, Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal, following the death of its Leader and Chief Executive Dr David Stevens last May. A Methodist minister, theologian and former President of the British Methodist Conference, Dr Bhogal has been Chief Executive of the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum and United Faiths - its youth council - since 2005. Inderjit is also the Chair and founder of the much acclaimed City of Sanctuary, a national movement committed to building a culture of welcome and hospitality for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Inderjit Bhogal was born in Nairobi and came to the UK in 1964. For seventeen years he has been Minister with the historic Upper Wincobank Undenominational congregation. Of accepting the role, Inderjit said: “David has left a great legacy. I am privileged to succeed him and delighted to accept this role. Diversity is much more complex now. Future peace in Northern Ireland will grow from the ability of people from many different traditions to accommodate their differences and build on their similarities. I am looking forward to life and ministry in Northern Ireland and being part of the future of Corrymeela.” Inderjit Bhogal’s connection with Corrymeela goes as far back as 1977 when he came to work at the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle as a summer volunteer. He takes up his post as Leader in April.
The Corrymeela Community was founded in 1965 prior to the Troubles by Rev Dr Ray Davey, prompted by his experiences during the Second World War. With an international reputation for peace and reconciliation it currently has 150 members and over 5,000 friends and supporters throughout the world. Corrymeela’s history is built upon committed work with individuals and communities who have suffered through the violence and polarisation of the Northern Irish conflict. It works throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, developing and delivering focused community relations work through single-identity, cross-community and cross-border community, and residentially based programmes. Each year over 6,000 participants take part in programmes at the Corrymeela Ballycastle Centre. Many Corrymeela members are involved in a wide variety of peace and reconciliation activities.
INCORE – International summer school, MA and MSc
The INCORE Summer School provides a structured learning opportunity to analyse the dynamic and constantly changing field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Focusing on the latest research and concepts in peace and conflict studies and practice; participants are invited to compare, contrast and learn from different perspectives. The 2011 International Summer School will run from 13th - 17th June. This year there are three courses: (1) Evaluation in Conflict Prone Settings; (2) Interpersonal Reconciliation after Violent Political Conflict; and (3) Peacemaking and Peacebuilding: Exploring Lessons from Northern Ireland. For more information visit: http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/courses/ss/
The MA in Peace and Conflict Studies started in 1987 and remains one of the key programmes available in the area of peace and conflict. This internationally renowned programme is offered by the School of English, History and Politics in collaboration with the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE). Leading academics based at INCORE teach the module on Peacebuilding in Divided Societies. The Programme is based on the Magee Campus in Derry/Londonderry. For more information visit: http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/courses/MA.html
The MSc in Human Rights and Peacebuilding, launched in 2010, is a unique multidisciplinary course being offered by the following institutions: the Transitional Justice Institute (TJI) in conjunction with the School of Law, INCORE (International Conflict Research Institute), and the School of English, History and Politics. Those taking the course will gain an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and practical application of peacebuilding and related areas of human rights and humanitarian law, as well as transitional justice. For more information visit: http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/pdfs/MscHRPB.pdf
VSI messages of peace, IVS GB 80th birthday
The Messages of Peace Book was launched by Senator David Norris and Jon Mc Court at the recent VSI Annual Volunteer Day in November last. The book came out of our work with young people over the past few years and especially an international youth exchange ' Understanding Conflict' which took place in Donegal in 2009. We hope it will be a useful tool in peace education and to those who are working with young people. See http://www.vsi.ie/download/pdf/messagesofpeace.pdf
Meanwhile IVS GB celebrates its 80th Birthday in 2011 with a special project on Eigg; in partnership with The Earth Connections Project, there is a special celebratory workcamp on the beautiful island of Eigg from 16th-30th April. Earth Connections is developing exciting new green living courses. Volunteers are needed to get the Centre building finished so we can be up and running this summer. There are a variety of interesting jobs to do, for all abilities. There will be time off to explore other parts of the island, and of course a big birthday party to finish off in style! More details from VSI info@vsi.ie
The Organic Centre
The Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co. Leitrim promotes organic growing and sustainable living. The centre is a non profit organisation set up in 1995, with the aim of providing public education, training and information. The Centre is located on a 19 acre site in Rossinver, Co Leitrim, and we have outreach centres in Co. Clare and Co. Wicklow. We run workshops on organic horticulture, gardening, green building, alternative energy, and artisan food production. The Centre is a recognised eco-tourism destination. Our facilities include demonstration gardens & polytunnels, an orchard & soft fruit area with heritage varieties and an eco-shop selling organic seeds, garden tools, books, and seasonal vegetables.
Projects run by the Centre include Community Food Projects funded by the HSE and a full-time course in organic horticulture at FETAC level 5 supported by FAS. In the past The Organic Centre has organised a cross-border schools programme and women’s cross-community projects promoting peace through gardening together, funded by the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the IFI. We enjoy the support of a wide network of friends. Our Friends Scheme offers a range of benefits including free entry to our gardens and open days, gardening advice, and 10% discount on shop & seed sales, and training courses. Our online shop for quick and easy shopping is on our website at www.theorganiccentre.ie The Centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Our annual Potato Day is on Sunday March 13th from 11am – 5 pm. Tours of the centre and workshops for groups can be booked. For more information ph 071-9854338, e-mail: info@theorganiccentre.ie and website: http://www.theorganiccentre.ie
Domestic violence; guidelines for faith communities
Domestic violence remains the most prevalent form of physical violence on the island of Ireland. A report from the Northern Ireland Regional Steering Group on Domestic Violence, entitled “Responding to domestic violence and abuse: Guidelines for faith communities” (A4, 52 pages) aims to provide “leaders of Faith communities with information to respond effectively to members of their congregations who may be victims or perpetrators”. This broad-ranging report includes definitions and types of abuse, responses and options, management of disclosure, myths and excuses, being prepared, practical advice for perpetrators who want to control their abusive behaviour etc, contacts etc; most is applicable to anyone who may come into contact with the issue (= all of us). The report is produced by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland. A limited number of paper copies are available and it will be online shortly on the website http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk
Trauma and Spirituality: An International Dialogue Conference
This takes place from 9th-13th March this year at the Europa Hotel, Belfast. This groundbreaking international conference will bring together health professionals and faith communities to look at developing a holistic approach to trauma recovery; the conference is aimed at a wide range of interests and has ten key themes. Nearly 60 presenters from across the globe – including 30 from UK and Ireland - will present on a range of topics during the 4 day event from 9th-13th March. The event is organised by the Journey Through Healing Programme based at Niamh (NI Association for Mental Health). For further information see here or for queries contact: Colleen D Brown, c.brown@niamhwellbeing.org
Irish ship to Gaza – funds needed
The Irish ship that will participate in the Second Freedom Flotilla is in a secure location in the Mediterranean where it will be berthed until needed in the spring – it will be able to carry 25 people from the island. It will be captained by Shane Dillon who was on Challenger 1 in the first Freedom Flotilla. Other ships from other countries are also being prepared in various ports around the Mediterranean and we are firmly on course to mount a significant challenge to the illegal Israeli siege of Gaza. Funds are needed urgently for operational expenses; all cheques should be made out to 'Irish Ship to Gaza' and they can be posted to; Fintan Lane, National Coordinator, ISTG, 12 Lennox Place, Portobello, Dublin 8. Ph 087 1258325. See http://www.irishshiptogaza.org
Tools for Solidarity art exhibition
This has already, just, been launched but continues from 7th – 21th February at 19 Anne Street, Belfast with contemporary local artists inspired by the work and spirit of the Tools For Solidarity organisation. Tools for Solidarity (TFS) is a voluntary charitable organisation, based in Belfast & Downpatrick, which supports artisans and communities in some of the poorest countries in the world by providing high quality refurbished hand tools and machines. TFS operates 2 workshops; the one in Belfast is run by 10 full time volunteers, while in Downpatrick many volunteers give their input, sometimes for an hour, sometimes for most of the week. More info: http://toolsforsolidarity.com
Rossport Solidarity Camp
On Thursday 20th January An Bord Pleanála announced their decision to approve the Shell high pressure raw gas pipeline. We have until Thursday 17th March to put in an application for an injunction by way of Judicial Review. Even if this is successful, there is no guarantee that it would stop work immediately and so we need to stop it ourselves. Come up to the camp! If you can only come up once this year, make plans to come up soon - ideally as soon as you get the call out that Shell are about to start work, which will probably be within the next 2 months. Summer is the time loads of people come to resist Shell’s destructive work but this time Shell are planning to start work around March and this is the busiest time for traffic movements. There are all sorts of ways you can help. See http://www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org email rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com or phone 0851141170.
INNATE networking group meets next on Weds 23rd February at 7pm in Corrymeela House, 8 Upper Crescent, Belfast.
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