Introduction: Frameworks

Comment: Promoting Supporters
David Hewitt

Editorial: A Future with Hope
Alwyn Thomson

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FRAMEWORKS
It appears that the big political event of the new year Will be the release of the long awaited 'Framework Document' currently being drawn up by the British and Irish Governments.

Yet, it would be a mistake to pin all our hopes on this political framework alone. For there is a more important framework - the biblical framework. At this critical point it is vital that Chris-tians, informed by this biblical framework, speak out on the many key areas for debate which will inevitably arise in the months ahead. Many Christians are already in a position to make a positive contribution to these discussions, but perhaps too many of us have some catching up to do. If so, this is surely the time to be doing it. To this end, ECONI is currently preparing a Biblical Frameworks document.

The purpose of this is threefold:

• to highlight the religious dimension to the problem and the necessity to acknowledge and address this;
• to apply biblical principles to selected areas of concern;
• to underline the true nature of peace and reconciliation and warn of the potential flaw in either ignoring or formalising our divisions.

The document identifies eight key areas where biblical principles apply. These areas are:

Culture & Identity
Justice & Mercy
Consent & Participation
Forgiveness & Healing
Truth & Trust
Rights & Responsibilities
Poverty & Social Justice
Land & Nationality

In each of these areas the document outlines the biblical principles and draws out their implica-tions for Northern Ireland. The conclusion stresses that the best hope for the future lies in tackling divi-sions among the people of this community and not simply looking for a way to bridge the gap between the two power blocks of Unionism and National-ism.

ECONI WELCOMES the submission of unsolicited articles, but does not guarantee publication, and manuscripts cannot be returned. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECONI. Permission to reprint any original article in Lion & Lamb should be sought from the Editor.

Editor   Derek Poole
Asst Editor   Ruth Hutchinson