Introduction: Peace on Earth
David Porter

Civil Disobedience
Norris Wilson

Sectarianism: Root & Branch
James Williamson

For God and Ulster
John Dickinson

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PEACE ON EARTH
After many twists and turns on the road to peace the events of autumn 1993 now seem a long time ago. In the aftermath of the Shankill bomb and Greysteel shootings people gathered in the thousands in a campaign co-ordinated by the trade unions. PEACE the Perfect Present At Christmas for Everyone - was the goal.

The corresponding political initiative was the Downing Street Declaration issued by both governments that December. The document was part of a process aimed at persuading republican and loyalist paramilitaries that the door to a new political future was open. A demonstrable commitment by them to democratic and peaceful methods was now required.

It was in response to these developments that ECONl issued its first public statement. It spoke of hope and fear - 'hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that this tragic period of our history might be drawing to a close; fear, that once again our hopes will come to nothing and we will be plunged back into the cycle of despair, anger and violence.'

We again stand at a familiar crossroads. The long journey of the last three years has been a time of learning that 'cessation' and 'cease-fire' do not in themselves bring peace. They simply provide opportunity for peace to be made and remain as fragile as our ability as a community to make peace with one another. Neither can paramilitaries or politicians do it for us. The dynamic for peace rests in us all and our commitment to engage and befriend our neighbour and enemy.

For the Christian this is not empty rhetoric. It is the plain teaching and example of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. While we - you and I - were the rebellious enemy, God loved us. Without any merit on our part, God acted. In the absence of any cessation in hostilities by us, God took the initiative.

The fragile baby born to Mary was Emmanuel, God with us. God crossing the divide between the divine and the human and becoming one of us - the Word made flesh. And in this single initiative of grace, which was to cost him his life, Jesus reveals that he is the Son of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,' declared President Clinton in Belfast last Christmas, 'for they shall inherit the earth.' Not quite Mr. President! 'For they shall be called the CHILDREN OF GOD.' To participate in making peace is to get to the heart of our identity as Christians.

God's children are those who make peace. Who act out of hope and not fear. Who are prepared to take the risk of meeting with the enemy and finding a fellow human being. Who will be as wise as serpents yet as harmless as doves. Who see the real enemy as war itself and the bitterness, suspicion and hostility it breeds. Who bring good news, proclaiming peace as they announce the reign of God on the earth.

The end of 1996 presents, yet again, the prospect of a restoration of the IRA cessation. The task of building peace will be greater than ever. As followers of Jesus to fail to engage in such a task, even if violence continues, is a denial of our calling. No one expected it to be easy. The sense that it was over for good in 1994 was based more in denial than reality. We are and remain a deeply divided community.

However, as Christians, we are and remain children of the peacemaking God. Let us join in celebration with the angelic army with its message of peace! 'Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among people whom he favours!'

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