Introduction: Time for the Hard Work
David Porter

Comment: Introducing ECONI
Alwyn Thomson

< Past Issues Archive

TIME FOR THE HARD WORK
It is now fast approaching the first anniversary of the IRA cessation of violence and there is little doubt that the people of Northern Ireland have warmed to life without the constant threat of terrorist violence. But it is equally clear that the longed for peace has yet to emerge out of the calm of ceasefire.

Peace doesn't just happen - it has got to be made. Lest we forget, it was Jesus who said -Blessed are the peacemakers. For Jesus the ultimate cost of making peace between God and humanity was the cross. This remains the central and unique focus of his calling and ministry.

Yet we do not do justice to the gospel story if we ignore the peacemaking implications of his life. The incarnation is central to our Christian calling in this world, not least to our calling to be makers of peace.

Jesus sets out to build relationships with the very people he is seeking to turn from enemies to friends. This was not without cost and involved taking risks. Leaving behind all that was his by right he identified with us in our humanity, and entered into dialogue and debate with those he met. In this he always addressed realities, facing people with the truth of their situation and of the new reality of his kingdom.

No area was outside his interest. No person was beyond his compassionate concern. No social, political, economic or religious interests or ideologies were allowed to stand in the way. All of life, every person and all the powers of this world were engaged. This is the Prince of Peace who we as Christian disciples are called to follow.

This is at the heart of our motivation in ECOM. Over the last year our work has taken on a new urgency and focus. New initiatives have involved risk yet have helped us to build a wide variety of relationships. Through our statements and meetings, both public and private, we have sought to address realities and bring biblical values to the search for a peaceful resolution of our political and cultural conflict.

The danger is not just from a return to violence by the paramilitaries, but equally from the complacency and apathy which can so easily take root in the whole community. The future peace is the responsibility of us all. We dare not leave it to the whim of the extremists nor even to the necessary negotiating of politicians. Peacemaking is the hard work to which all of us must bring our best energies and resources.

ECONI believes that biblical Christians need to be to the fore in this process. To this end we are committed to providing resources, training and opportunity for this to happen. This issue of lion & lamb shares something of how that has been possible to date.

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